What Are the Different Types of Medications for ADHD? (2024)

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications are prescribed to manage common ADHD symptoms, like difficulty focusing, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.

Medications approved to treat ADHD include stimulants, like Adderall and Ritalin, and non-stimulants, like Strattera and Intuniv. Antidepressants, like Wellbutrin, are also prescribed off-label to treat ADHD.

This article discusses ADHD medication. It describes how different types of ADHD medicines work to manage ADHD symptoms. It also explains common ADHD medication side effects.

Types of ADHD Medications

ADHD medications balance neurotransmitters in the brain like norepinephrine and dopamine to reduce ADHD symptoms. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants.

Stimulants are the oldest and most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. They work quickly to increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.Stimulants can increase a person’s energy, alertness, and attention and are available in short-acting and extended-release formulas.

Non-stimulants are newer ADHD drugs that increase norepinephrine levels. There are two classes of non-stimulant ADHD medicines: serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRIs) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These don’t work as quickly as stimulants, are not always effective, and may be used in combination with other ADHD medicines.

Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed off-label to treat ADHD.They may be used in combination with other ADHD medications and are especially helpful when ADHD co-occurs with other conditions like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders.

Stimulant ADHD Medicines

Stimulants increase brain levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are linked to focus and attention. Boosting these neurotransmitters helps manage ADHD symptoms.

Stimulant medications are derived from either amphetamine or methylphenidate. Both have similar effects but work slightly differently. For example, methylphenidate tends to work faster, but the effects don't last as long.

Stimulants come in short-acting and extended-release formulas. Short-acting, immediate-release ADHD medications can last four to six hours, compared to long-acting, extended-release products that can last eight to 16 hours. Extended-release formulas typically have XR, ER, or LA in their name.

Stimulant ADHD medications are available in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid formulas. A transdermal ADHD medication, Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine), was approved in 2022.

The following stimulant ADHD medications are available:

Side Effects of Stimulant ADHD Medicines

Stimulant medications have similar side effects, which are more common with higher doses. These include:

• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
  
• Headache
• Irritability
• Mild abdominal pain
  
• Sleep problems
• Weight lossor poor weight gain in children

Stimulants can also trigger depression or even suicidal thoughts, though rare. Different formulas may have additional side effects.

Stimulants also carry a risk of addiction. However, that risk is low when taken as prescribed for the treatment of ADHD. In fact, some research suggests that treating ADHD may reduce a person’s risk forsubstance use disorder.

Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

There are four non-stimulant medications that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to treat ADHD:

• Strattera (atomoxetine)
• Qelbree (viloxazine)
• Kapvay; Catapres (clonidine ER)
• Intuniv; Tenex (guanfacine ER)

Strattera

Strattera (atomoxetine) is the oldest non-stimulant medication that’s specifically approved for ADHD. An SNRI, it works to control ADHD symptoms by increasing norepinephrine in the brain.

Strattera can be taken once a day or split into two doses (morning and evening). The medication can be taken with or without food.It is available in brand-name and generic atomoxetine.

Strattera is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adults.

Qelbree

Qelbree (viloxazine) is a newer FDA-approved non-stimulant medication for ADHD, An SNRI, it works similarly to Strattera by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain.

Qelbree is only available in a brand-name formula. It is taken once a day, with or without food.

Qelbree is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older and adults.

Clonidine and Guanfacine

Clonidineand guanfacine have been used for years to treat health conditions like high blood pressure. Both drugs arealpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, which act on norepinephrine in the brain. These pills come in brand-name and generic forms:

• Clonidine: Catapres, Kapvay
• Guanfacine: Tenex, Intuniv

Clonidine tablets are usually taken twice a day. It also comes in film patches (Catapres) that are changed every seven days.

Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) can be taken as a single dose once a day or two to three times a day for the short-acting form (Tenex).

Side Effects of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medicines

Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are in the same drug class and share some similar potential side effects. Some of these include:

• Sleepiness
• Reduced appetite
• Upset stomach

Catapres and Kapvay (both clonidine) and Tenex and Intuniv (both guanfacine) also share some similar side effects, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Irritability
• Low blood pressure and dizziness
• Sleepiness
  

Some of these symptoms tend to be less severe in Tenex and Intuniv than the others. Intuniv is also less likely to decrease appetite than other ADHD medications, so it may be a better option for people who are underweight.

Antidepressant ADHD Medications

Some providers use antidepressants “off-label” to treat ADHD, which means that while they have not been FDA-approved for this purpose, they can still be helpful.

Antidepressants are also non-stimulants. Even though they have not been studied enough to get FDA approval for ADHD treatments, some research suggests antidepressants are helpful for some people with ADHD.

Like other types of non-stimulants, antidepressants are an option when first-line ADHD treatments haven’t helped. Your provider may also recommend that you try taking an antidepressant along with ADHD medications.

Some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for people with ADHD include:

• Wellbutrin; Wellbutrin XL; Wellbutrin SR (bupropion)
• Norpramin (desipramine)
• Aventyl; Pamelor (nortriptyline)
• Tofranil (imipramine)
  

Side Effects of Antidepressants

Possible side effects of antidepressants include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight gain
• Diarrhea
• Sleepiness
• Sexual problems
  

Are ADHD Medications the Same for Adults and Children?

Both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications are approved for children and adults. While the drugs are the same, the doses and forms of ADHD drug treatments can be different for children than they are for adults. For example, a child may need a lower dose than an adult.

Some kids with ADHD benefit from taking a long-acting ADHD medication so they can take it before they go to school and have their symptoms managed throughout the day.

Certain capsule forms of ADHD medications can be opened and sprinkled on soft foods like applesauce, which makes them a great option for kids who have a hard time swallowing pills.

Summary

ADHD medications generally fall into one of two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulant medications such asAdderall and Ritalinare well-established treatments for ADHD, and they are safe and effective for most people.

Newer, non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera, are also an option. Some providers also recommend trying antidepressants either on their own or with ADHD medications.

As with all medications, ADHD medications come with side effects and risks. But there are also risks of having untreated ADHD. Work with your provider to come up with an effective ADHD treatment plan and decide whether medication would help you manage your symptoms.