ADHD medications explained
The two groups of ADHD medication, stimulants and non-stimulants, and how they compare.
The two groups of ADHD medication
ADHD medications fall into two groups. Stimulants are one group, and non-stimulants are the other. Stimulants are the most effective and the most commonly used. Non-stimulants are an alternative that suits some people better, and they are sometimes used alongside a stimulant.
Stimulants
There are two types of stimulant. Methylphenidate-based medications include Ritalin and Concerta. Amphetamine-based medications include Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulants work fast, often the same day, by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine. These are two chemical messengers involved in attention.
Stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances. That is the category for medicines with a recognized medical use and a high potential for misuse. They carry an FDA boxed warning about misuse, abuse, and addiction.
Non-stimulants
Non-stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), and viloxazine (Qelbree). They are not controlled substances and do not carry the same misuse potential.
Non-stimulants take several weeks to reach their full effect, more like an antidepressant, and they are taken every day. They are often chosen when stimulants are not suitable or not well tolerated, or when controlled-substance concerns matter. They are also sometimes added alongside a stimulant.
How they work
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers involved in attention. Atomoxetine works on norepinephrine. Guanfacine works through a different receptor. Each of these actions is thought to support attention and reduce ADHD symptoms.
What they have in common
The medications in both groups share a few features.
- All of them treat the core symptoms of ADHD, which are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- For all of them, finding the right medication, formulation, and dose is usually a process of adjustment with a prescriber.
A note on access
Because stimulants are controlled substances, the rules for prescribing them are stricter, including through telehealth, and they cannot be refilled in the usual way.
An important practical point is that response is individual. A poor response to one stimulant does not mean the other will not work.
The medications in this group
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta). A stimulant and one of the two main stimulant types. It works fast and comes in short-acting and long-acting forms.
- Amphetamine (Adderall). A stimulant made of a mix of amphetamine salts. It works fast and comes in short-acting and long-acting forms.
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). An amphetamine-based stimulant in a long-acting form.
- Atomoxetine (Strattera). A non-stimulant that works on norepinephrine. It is not a controlled substance and takes several weeks to reach full effect.
- Guanfacine (Intuniv). A non-stimulant that works through a different receptor. It is not a controlled substance.
- Viloxazine (Qelbree). A newer non-stimulant taken every day. It is not a controlled substance.
PsychiatryRx has dedicated guides for methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine, with more detail on uses, side effects, dosing, and what to expect.
Sources
This guide draws on current prescribing information and public health references. It is reviewed for clinical accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Prescribing information.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Mental health medications.
This guide is for general education. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified clinician. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescriber. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.