Adderall works great for a lot of people. But it doesn't work for everyone.
Maybe the side effects are too much. Maybe it wears off too fast. Maybe your provider recommended trying something different. Or maybe you just want to know what else is out there before committing to anything.
Good news: there are a lot of options. This guide covers every major Adderall alternative--stimulant and non-stimulant--so you can have an informed conversation with your provider about what might work best for you.
Why People Look for Adderall Alternatives
There's no single reason. Here are the most common ones:
Side effects. Appetite loss, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, or that "wired" feeling. Some people tolerate Adderall well. Others don't. Brain chemistry varies.
It wears off too quickly. Adderall IR lasts 4--6 hours. Even the XR version caps out around 8--12 hours. If you need coverage for a 14-hour day, that's not enough.
The crash. Some people experience a sharp drop-off when Adderall wears off--irritability, fatigue, rebound symptoms. Longer-acting alternatives can smooth this out.
Stimulant concerns. Some patients prefer to avoid stimulants entirely, whether due to a history of substance use, cardiovascular concerns, or personal preference.
It just doesn't work well enough. Adderall might help some symptoms but not others. Or the therapeutic window is too narrow--either too little effect or too many side effects.
Whatever the reason, having alternatives is the point. ADHD treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. Want to see our full guide to Adderall and how it's prescribed? That's covered in a separate guide.
Stimulant Alternatives to Adderall
These medications share a similar mechanism to Adderall (increasing dopamine and/or norepinephrine) but differ in duration, release mechanism, and how they feel.
Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
Vyvanse is probably the most popular Adderall alternative. It's an amphetamine-based stimulant, but it's a prodrug--meaning your body has to convert it into its active form before it works.
What that means in practice: smoother onset, longer duration (up to 14 hours), and lower abuse potential. Many patients who experience a "crash" with Adderall find Vyvanse much easier to tolerate.
We have a complete guide to getting a Vyvanse prescription if you want the full breakdown.
Mydayis (Mixed Amphetamine Salts -- Triple Bead)
Mydayis is the longest-acting amphetamine medication available. It uses a triple-bead release system that provides three separate waves of medication throughout the day--up to 16 hours of coverage.
It's approved for adults only (ages 13+) and is a strong option if you need all-day coverage and find that even Vyvanse or Adderall XR wears off too early. Read our full Mydayis treatment guide to learn more about how it compares.
Ritalin and Concerta (Methylphenidate)
These are in a completely different stimulant family than Adderall. While Adderall is amphetamine-based, Ritalin and Concerta are methylphenidate-based. Some people respond better to one family than the other--it's unpredictable.
Ritalin comes in immediate-release (3--4 hours) and extended-release forms. Concerta uses an osmotic-release system for up to 12 hours of coverage. If you've only tried amphetamine-based medications, methylphenidate is worth discussing with your provider.
Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)
Focalin is a refined version of methylphenidate that contains only the active component. Some patients find it more effective at lower doses with fewer side effects than regular methylphenidate. It comes in both immediate-release and extended-release (Focalin XR) formulations.
Non-Stimulant Alternatives to Adderall
Non-stimulants work differently. They're not as fast-acting and may take 2--6 weeks to reach full effect. But for people who can't use stimulants or don't respond well to them, these are valuable options.
Qelbree (Viloxazine)
Qelbree is one of the newest ADHD medications on the market. It's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that was FDA-approved for adult ADHD in 2022. Early data looks promising, and many providers are increasingly recommending it as a first-line non-stimulant option.
Our deep dive into Qelbree covers how it works, who it's best for, and what to expect.
Strattera (Atomoxetine)
Strattera was the first non-stimulant approved for ADHD. It's been around since 2002, so there's a long track record. It works by increasing norepinephrine levels and provides 24-hour coverage once it reaches steady state.
Downsides: it takes 4--6 weeks to reach full effectiveness, and some patients experience nausea or stomach upset early on. But for people who need consistent, round-the-clock symptom management without stimulant side effects, Strattera is a solid option.
Intuniv (Guanfacine ER)
Originally a blood pressure medication, guanfacine was found to improve focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation in ADHD patients. It's often used as an add-on to a stimulant rather than a standalone treatment, but some adults do well on it alone.
It's particularly useful if your ADHD comes with significant emotional dysregulation or rejection sensitivity.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Wellbutrin isn't FDA-approved for ADHD specifically, but it's commonly prescribed off-label. It works on both dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the same neurotransmitters involved in ADHD. It's a reasonable option if you have both ADHD and depression, since it can address both.
What About Non-Medication Approaches?
Let's be direct: for most adults with moderate to severe ADHD, medication is the most effective treatment. The research is clear on this.
That said, some people benefit from combining medication with behavioral strategies. ADHD coaching, for example, can help with organization, time management, and building systems that work with your brain instead of against it. Our what coaching can and can't do alongside medication breaks down what each approach can and can't do.
Lifestyle factors matter too. Exercise, sleep, and nutrition all affect ADHD symptoms. But they're supplements to treatment, not replacements for it.
How to Find the Right Alternative
Here's the honest truth: finding the right ADHD medication sometimes takes trial and error. Your brain chemistry is unique. What works perfectly for someone else might do nothing for you, and vice versa.
A good provider will:
• Start with the most likely medication based on your symptoms and history
• Monitor your response closely with regular follow-ups
• Adjust dosing or switch medications if the first choice isn't working
• Explain the reasoning behind every recommendation
You can our complete breakdown of every FDA-approved ADHD medication to get a head start before your evaluation.
Ready to explore your options with a provider who specializes in ADHD? get an evaluation as early as today.
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Take the Free ADHD TestFrequently Asked Questions
What is the closest thing to Adderall?
Vyvanse is the closest in terms of mechanism--it's also amphetamine-based but uses a prodrug system for smoother, longer-lasting effects. Mydayis is another amphetamine-based option with triple-bead extended release. If you're looking for something that feels similar to Adderall but lasts longer or has fewer peaks and valleys, these two are the most common next steps.
Are non-stimulants as effective as Adderall?
For the average patient, stimulants tend to be more effective for core ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsivity. Response rates for stimulants are around 70--80%, compared to about 50--60% for non-stimulants. However, the "best" medication is the one that works for you specifically. Some patients do better on non-stimulants than they ever did on stimulants.
Can you switch directly from Adderall to Vyvanse?
Yes, in most cases your provider can transition you directly. They'll calculate an approximate equivalent dose (though the medications aren't perfectly interchangeable) and may adjust from there. Most transitions are straightforward, but your provider will want to check in within a week or two to see how the switch is going.
Is there an over-the-counter alternative to Adderall?
No over-the-counter supplement has been proven to be as effective as prescription ADHD medication. You'll find claims about caffeine, omega-3s, and various nootropics online, but the evidence doesn't support them as standalone ADHD treatments. If your symptoms are significant enough that you're looking for alternatives to Adderall, you need a proper check-up and prescription treatment.
How do I know which Adderall alternative is right for me?
That's what the check-up is for. Your provider will consider your symptom pattern, daily schedule, side effect sensitivity, medical history, and personal preferences. There's no formula that predicts which medication will work best--it requires clinical judgment and sometimes trying more than one option.
The important thing is working with a provider who knows ADHD well and will take the time to find the right fit.