Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStimulantsNon-StimulantsOther Medications for ADHDWhat This Means for You
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Stimulants
Non-Stimulants
Other Medications for ADHD
What This Means for You
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In addition to behavioral therapies,medicationsforADHDcan be very helpful in reducing impulsiveness and hyperactivity and increasing focus and attention. Let’s gain an understanding of the types ofprescription medications people with ADHDcan use to feel better and improve their symptoms.
What should I know about ADHD medication for adults and children?Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD carry a risk for dependence; be sure to take these medicines as prescribed.Other side effects may occur, so it is important to discuss any concerning symptoms with your doctor.
What should I know about ADHD medication for adults and children?
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD carry a risk for dependence; be sure to take these medicines as prescribed.Other side effects may occur, so it is important to discuss any concerning symptoms with your doctor.
Stimulant medicationsare the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and have been found to be very effective in alleviatingADHD symptoms. Stimulants increase the level of the neurotransmittersdopamineandnorepinephrinein the brain. This improves inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.
Stimulant Side Effects
Some common side effects of stimulants include:
Less common side effects that may occur include:
Understanding and anticipating these side effects is helpful, as they can affect your adherence or willingness to take the medication.
If you do experience any side effects from your stimulant medications, please discuss them with your doctor. Also, be safe and don’t stop orchange the dosageof your medication without medical guidance.
Types of Stimulants
Stimulants can come in a number of forms, like shorter- andlonger-acting medications. Extended-release stimulants are those that provide a longer-lasting, continuous level of medication. They dissolve slowly and release the drug over time. Immediate release medications tend to only be effective for three to five hours.
Some stimulant medications for ADHD include:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) ADHD Medication
The FDA approved a non-stimulant medication called Strattera (atomoxetine) for the treatment of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults in 2002.
Strattera is a good option for people who cannot tolerate or take a stimulant medication for their ADHD. It’s also a good option for people who are at risk for abuse or dependence on stimulant medications.
Side Effects of Non-Stimulants
Similar side effects are seen with Strattera as with the stimulant medications, although they tend to be milder. These include:
Non-Stimulant Medications to Treat ADHD
Sometimes a person fails to respond to stimulants or Strattera for their ADHD or the side effects are intolerable. In these cases, a doctor may try another medication, likeclonidineorguanfacine, which are FDA-approved in the U.S. for treatment in children and adolescents.
If a person can tolerate stimulants, clonidine or guanfacine may also be given in addition to a stimulant to increase its effects.
In 2021, the FDA approved a new non-stimulant medication for ADHD for children and adolescents (ages six to 17). Qelbree (viloxazine), a selective norepinephrinereuptake inhibitor, is an extended-release medication.
Less commonly, a doctor may prescribe a medication like the antidepressantWellbutrin (bupropion)to treat ADHD. Bupropion is not formally FDA-approved for treating ADHD.
ADHD Medication for Adults
ADHD can be effectively treated withbehavioral therapiesand/or medication.That being said, it’s important for individuals on medications for their ADHD to see their doctor on a regular basis.
Be sure that your doctor or healthcare professional is experienced specifically with ADHD. This ensures that you’ll be getting valuable input from a knowledgeable source who can better answer your questions about different treatment types.
Medication benefits, side effects, and dosages need to be carefully monitored to ensure your safety and optimization of your health. If you’re starting a new medication (or are already on medication) be sure to communicate any side effects, however minor, with your doctor as well.
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How Long Does It Take for ADHD Medication to Work?
11 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bymaster FP, Golembiowska K, Kowalska M, Choi YK, Tarazi FI.Pharmacological characterization of the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor EB-1020: Implications for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.Synapse. 2012;66(6). doi:10.1002/syn.21538Nageye F, Cortese S.Beyond stimulants: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials assessing novel compounds for ADHD.Expert Rev Neurother. 2019;19(7). doi:10.1080/14737175.2019.1628640Michielsen M, Kleef D, Bijlenga D, et al.Response and side effects using stimulant medication in older adults with ADHD: An observational archive study.J Atten Disord. 2020;25(12). doi:10.1177/1087054720925884Chang S-C, Shen WW.Stimulants, wakefulness-promoting agents, and nonstimulant attention deficit hyperactivity disorder dedications.J Exp Clin Med. 2013;5(6). doi:10.1016/j.jecm.2013.10.010Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Dyanavel XR (amphetamine).Food and Drug Administration.Strattera highlights of prescribing information.Bastiaens L, Scott O, Galus J.Treatment of adult ADHD without stimulants: Effectiveness in a dually diagnosed correctional population.Psychiatr Q. 2018;90(1). doi:10.1007/s11126-018-9602-7Catalá-López F, Hutton B, Núñez-Beltrán A, et al.The pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A systematic review with network meta-analyses of randomised trials. Gluud C, ed.PLOS ONE. 2017;12(7). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0180355Food and Drug Administration.Qelbree highlights of prescribing information.Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27(2). doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124Boyer BE, Geurts HM, Prins PJM, Van der Oord S.Two novel CBTs for adolescents with ADHD: the value of planning skills.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014;24(9). doi:10.1007/s00787-014-0661-5Additional ReadingDe Sousa A, Kalra G.Drug therapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Current trends.Mens Sana Monogr. 2012;10(1):45-69. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.87261National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Treatment and therapies.
11 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bymaster FP, Golembiowska K, Kowalska M, Choi YK, Tarazi FI.Pharmacological characterization of the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor EB-1020: Implications for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.Synapse. 2012;66(6). doi:10.1002/syn.21538Nageye F, Cortese S.Beyond stimulants: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials assessing novel compounds for ADHD.Expert Rev Neurother. 2019;19(7). doi:10.1080/14737175.2019.1628640Michielsen M, Kleef D, Bijlenga D, et al.Response and side effects using stimulant medication in older adults with ADHD: An observational archive study.J Atten Disord. 2020;25(12). doi:10.1177/1087054720925884Chang S-C, Shen WW.Stimulants, wakefulness-promoting agents, and nonstimulant attention deficit hyperactivity disorder dedications.J Exp Clin Med. 2013;5(6). doi:10.1016/j.jecm.2013.10.010Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Dyanavel XR (amphetamine).Food and Drug Administration.Strattera highlights of prescribing information.Bastiaens L, Scott O, Galus J.Treatment of adult ADHD without stimulants: Effectiveness in a dually diagnosed correctional population.Psychiatr Q. 2018;90(1). doi:10.1007/s11126-018-9602-7Catalá-López F, Hutton B, Núñez-Beltrán A, et al.The pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A systematic review with network meta-analyses of randomised trials. Gluud C, ed.PLOS ONE. 2017;12(7). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0180355Food and Drug Administration.Qelbree highlights of prescribing information.Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27(2). doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124Boyer BE, Geurts HM, Prins PJM, Van der Oord S.Two novel CBTs for adolescents with ADHD: the value of planning skills.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014;24(9). doi:10.1007/s00787-014-0661-5Additional ReadingDe Sousa A, Kalra G.Drug therapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Current trends.Mens Sana Monogr. 2012;10(1):45-69. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.87261National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Treatment and therapies.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bymaster FP, Golembiowska K, Kowalska M, Choi YK, Tarazi FI.Pharmacological characterization of the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor EB-1020: Implications for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.Synapse. 2012;66(6). doi:10.1002/syn.21538Nageye F, Cortese S.Beyond stimulants: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials assessing novel compounds for ADHD.Expert Rev Neurother. 2019;19(7). doi:10.1080/14737175.2019.1628640Michielsen M, Kleef D, Bijlenga D, et al.Response and side effects using stimulant medication in older adults with ADHD: An observational archive study.J Atten Disord. 2020;25(12). doi:10.1177/1087054720925884Chang S-C, Shen WW.Stimulants, wakefulness-promoting agents, and nonstimulant attention deficit hyperactivity disorder dedications.J Exp Clin Med. 2013;5(6). doi:10.1016/j.jecm.2013.10.010Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Dyanavel XR (amphetamine).Food and Drug Administration.Strattera highlights of prescribing information.Bastiaens L, Scott O, Galus J.Treatment of adult ADHD without stimulants: Effectiveness in a dually diagnosed correctional population.Psychiatr Q. 2018;90(1). doi:10.1007/s11126-018-9602-7Catalá-López F, Hutton B, Núñez-Beltrán A, et al.The pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A systematic review with network meta-analyses of randomised trials. Gluud C, ed.PLOS ONE. 2017;12(7). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0180355Food and Drug Administration.Qelbree highlights of prescribing information.Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27(2). doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124Boyer BE, Geurts HM, Prins PJM, Van der Oord S.Two novel CBTs for adolescents with ADHD: the value of planning skills.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014;24(9). doi:10.1007/s00787-014-0661-5
Bymaster FP, Golembiowska K, Kowalska M, Choi YK, Tarazi FI.Pharmacological characterization of the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor EB-1020: Implications for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.Synapse. 2012;66(6). doi:10.1002/syn.21538
Nageye F, Cortese S.Beyond stimulants: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials assessing novel compounds for ADHD.Expert Rev Neurother. 2019;19(7). doi:10.1080/14737175.2019.1628640
Michielsen M, Kleef D, Bijlenga D, et al.Response and side effects using stimulant medication in older adults with ADHD: An observational archive study.J Atten Disord. 2020;25(12). doi:10.1177/1087054720925884
Chang S-C, Shen WW.Stimulants, wakefulness-promoting agents, and nonstimulant attention deficit hyperactivity disorder dedications.J Exp Clin Med. 2013;5(6). doi:10.1016/j.jecm.2013.10.010
Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Dyanavel XR (amphetamine).
Food and Drug Administration.Strattera highlights of prescribing information.
Bastiaens L, Scott O, Galus J.Treatment of adult ADHD without stimulants: Effectiveness in a dually diagnosed correctional population.Psychiatr Q. 2018;90(1). doi:10.1007/s11126-018-9602-7
Catalá-López F, Hutton B, Núñez-Beltrán A, et al.The pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A systematic review with network meta-analyses of randomised trials. Gluud C, ed.PLOS ONE. 2017;12(7). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0180355
Food and Drug Administration.Qelbree highlights of prescribing information.
Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27(2). doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124
Boyer BE, Geurts HM, Prins PJM, Van der Oord S.Two novel CBTs for adolescents with ADHD: the value of planning skills.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014;24(9). doi:10.1007/s00787-014-0661-5
De Sousa A, Kalra G.Drug therapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Current trends.Mens Sana Monogr. 2012;10(1):45-69. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.87261National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Treatment and therapies.
De Sousa A, Kalra G.Drug therapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Current trends.Mens Sana Monogr. 2012;10(1):45-69. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.87261
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Treatment and therapies.
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