ADHD Medications List

Stimulants

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribedTrusted Source medications for ADHD. Doctors often prescribe them as first-line treatments for people with ADHD.

You might hear this class of medications called central nervous system stimulant medications.

They work by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine hormones. These brain chemicals are involved in:

• motivation
• attention
• movement (hyperactivity)

This effect improves concentration and focus. Stimulants also have a calming effectTrusted Source on hyperactivity in children with ADHD, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Many brand-name stimulants have generic versions, which usually cost less. Some insurance companies may prefer the generic versions. However, some stimulants are only available in brand-name versions.

Warning of misuse and side effects

Ask your doctor which medication would benefit you the most and which would have the fewest side effects. Stimulants may have serious side effects and have high potential for abuse and misuse if not taken correctly. Make sure to take your medication as prescribed.

Amphetamines

FDA-approved amphetamines for the treatment of ADHD include:

• amphetamine
• dextroamphetamine
• lisdexamfetamine
• methamphetamine

Depending on your doctor’s recommendations, you may take amphetamines orally as immediate release (IR) or extended release (ER or XR) capsules or tablets.

Some brand-name amphetamines with generic forms available include:

• Adderall XR
• Dexedrine
• Vyvanse
• Evekeo
• ProCentra
• Zenzedi
• Desoxyn

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, increasing the levels of these hormones and alertness while blocking hyperactivity.

You take methylphenidate orally. It’s available in the following forms:

• IR
• ER
• controlled release

Methylphenidate also comes as an FDA-approved transdermal patch under the brand name Daytrana. Daytrana doesn’t have a generic form.

Quillivant XR and QuilliChew ER are FDA-approved methylphenidate formulations without generic versions.

FDA-approved brand names for oral methylphenidate with available generic forms include:

• Aptensio XR
• Concerta
• Ritalin
• Ritalin LA
• Methylin ER
• Methylin

Dexmethylphenidate

Dexmethylphenidate is FDA-approved and similar to methylphenidate.

It’s available as the brand-name medication Focalin, and generic versions are available.

Nonstimulants

Nonstimulants affect the brain differently than stimulants. They affect your neurotransmitters but don’t increase dopamine levels.

In general, it takes longer to see results from nonstimulants than from stimulants, which is why they’re often second- or third-line treatments.

A doctor might prescribe nonstimulants when stimulants aren’t safe or effective for you. They may also prescribe them to avoid the side effects of stimulants.

Warning of side effects

Just because nonstimulants work differently than stimulants doesn’t mean they won’t have any adverse side effects or medication interactions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist and read the information leaflet that comes with your medication to fully understand its side effects.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine blocks the reuptakeTrusted Source of norepinephrine in the brain. This lets norepinephrine work longer.

It’s approved under the brand-name drug Strattera or as a generic. Strattera is available as an oral capsule you take once or twice daily.

The FDA warns that Strattera may cause an increased risk of suicidal ideation in children or adolescents who take this medication.

It’s important to take it only as a doctor prescribes and to monitor yourself and children closely.

Clonidine

Clonidine is approved to reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and distractibility with ADHD. Healthcare professionals may prescribe other forms of clonidine to treat high blood pressure.

Because it also lowers blood pressure, a common side effect of clonidine is lightheadedness in people with ADHD.

This drug is available as a generic called clonidine hydrochloride or under the brand name Onyda XR.

Guanfacine

Guanfacine is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure in adults. This drug has generic versions, but the FDA has only approved the ER version and its generics for use in children with ADHD.

The ER version is called Guanfacine ER (Intuniv).

This drug may help with:

• memory
• behavior
• aggression
• hyperactivity

Talk with your doctor

Your doctor may suggest other ADHD treatments along with medications.

Talk with your doctor about your medication options and alternatives like natural remedies. It’s important to discuss all ADHD treatment options with your doctor to gain the best results.

Takeaway

Medications for ADHD are classified as stimulants and nonstimulants. Each class affects your brain chemicals differently.

Stimulants are most commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for ADHD. Examples of brand-name drugs include Vyvanse, Adderall, and Ritalin. However, negative side effects may be common.

Nonstimulants, such as the brand-name drugs Strattera, Onyda XR, and Intuniv, work to a lesser extent than stimulants. But they may still have negative side effects.

Talk with your doctor to determine which treatment plan is right for you. They’ll help you weigh the benefits, risks, and side effects of each medication.