When ADHD symptoms become hard to manage and start affecting school, work, or daily life, medication can help. It won’t cure ADHD, but it may improve focus, attention, and impulse control. Below, we break down what types of medications are used, how they work, and what to consider when choosing one.
Understanding ADHD and Why Medication Matters
ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It affects millions of children and adults across the world. People with ADHD may have trouble sitting still, paying attention, or finishing tasks. For some, these challenges can affect their learning, relationships, and self-confidence.
Medication is not the only way to manage ADHD. Behavioral therapy, classroom strategies, your environment, and family support all play a role. But when symptoms become too strong, prescribers often recommend trying medication—preferably combined with other treatments such as therapy.
Two Main Types of ADHD Medication
ADHD medications are divided into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. Most people start with stimulants because they are well-studied and often work faster. If stimulants don’t work well, are contraindicated, or cause side effects, non-stimulants may be used instead—or in combination.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs for ADHD in both children and adults. They help increase brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine—chemicals linked to focus and behavior control. For many people, stimulants work quickly and effectively.
Stimulants help parts of the brain that control attention and activity. They don’t make someone with ADHD “calm” or “active” in the way many people think. Instead, they help the brain filter distractions and follow through with tasks.
Common Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are divided into two families:
1. Methylphenidate-based medications
● Short-acting: Ritalin, Methylin, Focalin
● Long-acting: Concerta, Quillivant XR, Metadate CD, Daytrana patch
2. Amphetamine-based medications
● Short-acting: Adderall, Evekeo, Zenzedi
● Long-acting: Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Dexedrine Spansule, Dyanavel XR, Adzenys XR
These come in different forms like tablets, capsules that can be opened and sprinkled, chewables, liquids, and can even be compounded as skin patches.
Possible Side Effects of Stimulants
Like all medications, stimulants can cause side effects. Some are mild and go away after a few days. Others may be more uncomfortable and require a dose change or trying another medicine.
Common side effects:
● Loss of appetite (often the most difficult for families)
● Trouble sleeping
● Mood swings or irritability (especially as medication wears off)
● Headaches or stomach-aches
● Increased heart rate or blood pressure
Rare but serious risks:
● In children with heart problems or a family history of heart disease, stimulants can raise concerns. It’s important to talk with the doctor about personal and family health history.
● Some parents worry about growth. Research shows that stimulants may slightly slow growth early on, but most studies show no long-term height or weight issues by adulthood.
● Stimulants don’t cause tics but can make them more noticeable. If a child has a tic disorder, doctors monitor it closely.
● There is no evidence that the proper use of ADHD stimulants leads to drug abuse. In fact, some studies show that treating ADHD may reduce the chance of drug problems later.
Non-Stimulant Medications for ADHD
Non-stimulant medications are often used when:
● Stimulants cause too many side effects or are contraindicated
● There are sleep or anxiety issues
● A person prefers not to use stimulants
● Stimulants alone are not enough
1. Atomoxetine (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor)
● Not as fast as stimulants. It may take several weeks to work.
● May help with anxiety and executive functioning (planning and organization).
● Swallowed as a capsule (cannot be opened or crushed).
● Must be taken daily and tapered slowly when stopping.
● May cause tiredness, stomach upset, mood changes, or dizziness.
● Black box warning: Rare reports of suicidal thoughts in children and teens. No suicide attempts or deaths were reported, but families should monitor mood and behavior.
2. Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists
These medications are used to reduce hyperactivity, help with sleep, and manage tics.
Guanfacine
● Short-acting: Tenex
● Long-acting: Intuniv
● Often taken at night
Clonidine
● Short-acting: Catapres
● Long-acting: Kapvay
● Also available as a patch (Catapres-TTS)
Side effects of alpha agonists:
● Drowsiness or fatigue
● Low blood pressure or slow heart rate
● Headache
● Less often: appetite loss or stomach discomfort
⚠ If these medications are stopped too suddenly, it can cause blood pressure spikes or other issues. Always reduce the dose slowly with doctor guidance.
Other Options: Atypical Antidepressants
Some antidepressants may be prescribed when:
● A person has both ADHD and depression or anxiety
● Stimulants and non-stimulants don’t work well
● Other symptoms like mood swings or sleep problems are present
These are not indicated specifically for ADHD but may be helpful in certain cases. They are sometimes used alone or with other ADHD medications. Prescribers may need to closely monitor patients when using these drugs.
Find the Right ADHD Medication
No two people with ADHD are exactly alike. Finding the right medication, dose, and treatment plan takes time and careful follow-up. It’s common to try more than one medication or adjust doses before finding the best fit.
Here are some tips:
● Talk openly with your doctor. Ask questions about how medications work, what to expect, and what side effects to watch for.
● Keep a symptom log. Tracking changes in focus, mood, sleep, and appetite can help your provider understand what’s working and what’s not.
● Be patient. Some medications work within hours, while others take weeks. Adjustments are normal.
● Stick to the plan. ADHD medications should be taken as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop suddenly unless a doctor advises you to.
If you prefer convenient, remote support, platforms like FasTreat offer virtual ADHD care led by experienced professionals. You can complete a self-assessment, receive a full diagnostic evaluation, and work with providers who build personalized plans—whether or not medication is involved.
What About Younger Children?
Most ADHD medications are approved for children age 6 and up. However, some are being studied for use in younger children (ages 4 to 5). If a preschool-aged child shows strong symptoms, doctors usually recommend behavioral therapy first. Medication may be added if behavior therapy alone does not help enough.
Summary
ADHD medications fall into two main groups: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are usually the first treatment choice and come in many forms. Non-stimulants work more slowly but may be better for certain people, especially those with anxiety or sleep problems.
Platforms like FasTreat make it easier to access ADHD care without long wait times or in-office visits. With regular follow-ups and expert guidance, you can find the treatment approach that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Medications Used to Treat ADHD | UC Davis MIND Institute
What medications are used to treat ADHD? | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine
Medications Used to Treat ADHD | UC Davis MIND Institute
Medication Table
https://www.caddra.ca/wp-content/uploads/CADDRA_ADHD-Medication-Chart_EN-FR_October2024_Final.pdf
Medications
https://caddra.ca/pdfs/caddraGuidelines2011Chapter07.pdf
Contraindications to Medications
