There are over a dozen FDA-approved ADHD medications on the market. They differ in how they work, how long they last, how they feel, and what side effects they carry. Choosing the right one isn't guesswork--but it does require understanding your options.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: the two main medication categories, how they compare, what the prescribing process looks like, and what to expect once you start.
The two categories of ADHD medication
Every ADHD medication falls into one of two groups: stimulants and non-stimulants. Your provider will recommend one based on your symptoms, medical history, tolerance for side effects, and personal preferences.
Stimulants
Stimulants are first-line treatment for ADHD. About 70--80% of adults respond well to them. They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine--the brain chemicals responsible for focus, motivation, and impulse control.
There are two sub-families:
Amphetamine-based:
• Adderall (immediate-release, 4--6 hours) and Adderall XR (extended-release, 10--12 hours)
• Vyvanse (prodrug, 12--14 hours)--smoother onset, lower abuse potential
• Mydayis (triple-bead release, up to 16 hours)--longest-acting option available
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine, 4--6 hours immediate, 8--12 hours extended)
Methylphenidate-based:
• Ritalin (immediate-release, 3--4 hours) and Ritalin LA (extended, 6--8 hours)
• Concerta (OROS system, 10--12 hours)--consistent release throughout the day
• Focalin / Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate, 4--6 / 8--12 hours)
• Daytrana (methylphenidate patch, 9--10 hours)--useful if pills cause nausea
Stimulants work fast--most people feel the effect within 30--90 minutes of the first dose. The main trade-off is side effects: decreased appetite, insomnia (if taken too late), dry mouth, and slightly elevated heart rate. These are usually manageable and dose-dependent.
For a side-by-side breakdown of every option, see the full medication comparison chart.
Non-stimulants
Non-stimulants work through different mechanisms--primarily norepinephrine pathways--and take longer to reach full effect. They're a good fit if stimulants cause unacceptable side effects, if you have coexisting anxiety that stimulants worsen, or if there's a history of substance use.
• Qelbree (viloxazine): The newest FDA-approved option. Reaches effect faster than older non-stimulants (1--2 weeks vs. 4--6). Approved for both adults and children.
• Strattera (atomoxetine): The original non-stimulant. Takes 4--6 weeks for full effect. Well-studied, good track record for adults with ADHD plus anxiety.
• Intuniv (guanfacine ER): Helps with hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity. Originally a blood pressure medication.
• Kapvay (clonidine ER): Similar to Intuniv. Often used when sleep problems accompany ADHD.
Non-stimulants carry no abuse potential and aren't classified as controlled substances, which means simpler refill processes and no mandatory monthly visits.
How your provider chooses a medication
This isn't a multiple-choice test where you pick based on a brand name. Your provider considers several factors:
Symptom profile. Predominantly inattentive ADHD may respond differently than combined-type ADHD. Your specific symptoms guide the starting point.
Duration needs. Do you need coverage for 6 hours (school or a single work shift) or 16 hours (work + evening responsibilities + parenting)? The answer determines whether you get an immediate-release, extended-release, or ultra-long-acting medication.
Side effect tolerance. If you have anxiety, a stimulant might worsen it--making a non-stimulant the better starting point. If appetite loss is a concern, methylphenidate-based options may be gentler than amphetamines for some people.
Coexisting conditions. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, tic disorders, substance use history--these all influence which medications are safe and effective for you.
Previous medication experience. If you've tried ADHD medication before, what worked and what didn't is extremely valuable information. A medication that failed in the past narrows down what to try next.
The prescribing process
Getting ADHD medication requires a clinical evaluation first. No responsible provider prescribes without one. Here's how it works at ADHD One:
Step 1: Evaluation. A 45--60 minute clinical assessment with a licensed provider. They confirm the ADHD diagnosis using DSM-5 criteria and check for conditions that affect medication choice. Same-day evaluations are available.
Step 2: Medication selection. Based on your evaluation, your provider recommends a specific medication, formulation, and starting dose. They explain the expected timeline, potential side effects, and what to watch for.
Step 3: Starting dose. You always start at the lowest effective dose. The prescription goes to your pharmacy electronically--often the same day as your evaluation.
Step 4: Titration (2--4 weeks). Your provider adjusts the dose based on how you respond. Most people don't land on the perfect dose immediately--that's expected. Track your symptoms and side effects between visits so your provider can make informed adjustments.
Step 5: Ongoing management. Once your dose is stable, you settle into a maintenance schedule. Stimulants require monthly check-ins for refills. Non-stimulants can often be refilled with less frequent visits. Learn how refills work.
Common side effects and how to manage them
Appetite suppression (stimulants): Eat a solid breakfast before your morning dose. Schedule meals by the clock rather than waiting to feel hungry. This is the most common side effect and usually the most manageable.
Insomnia (stimulants): Take your medication early in the day. If you're on an extended-release formulation and still can't sleep, your provider may adjust timing or switch to a shorter-acting option.
Elevated heart rate or blood pressure (stimulants): Your provider monitors vitals at follow-ups. If increases are significant, they'll adjust the dose or consider a non-stimulant alternative.
Drowsiness (non-stimulants, especially guanfacine/clonidine): Usually temporary and most pronounced in the first 1--2 weeks. Taking the dose at bedtime can turn this side effect into a benefit for sleep.
Mood changes: Irritability, flat affect, or increased anxiety can occur with any ADHD medication. These are signs the dose or medication type needs adjustment--not signs that "ADHD medication doesn't work for you."
Medication alone isn't enough for most people
Medication fixes the brain chemistry piece. But ADHD also creates skill deficits--in time management, organization, prioritization, and task initiation--that don't automatically resolve when you start a pill.
ADHD coaching builds the practical systems that medication makes possible. Medication gives you the focus. Coaching tells you what to do with it. Research consistently shows the combination outperforms either approach alone.
If you're not sure whether ADHD is what you're dealing with, start with a screening. It takes two minutes and costs nothing.
Take a free, clinician-backed screening. Same tool doctors use.
Take the Free ADHD Test →Frequently asked questions
What's the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication for adults?
Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are the two most widely prescribed ADHD medications for adults. Adderall is popular for its flexibility (available in immediate and extended-release forms). Vyvanse is favored for its smooth, consistent effect and lower abuse potential as a prodrug. Your provider will choose based on your individual profile, not popularity.
How long does it take ADHD medication to start working?
Stimulants work within 30--90 minutes of the first dose. You'll typically notice improved focus, reduced mental clutter, and better task completion almost immediately. Non-stimulants take longer: Qelbree reaches effect in 1--2 weeks, while Strattera needs 4--6 weeks for the full benefit. In both cases, dose optimization over the first 2--4 weeks is normal.
Can I take ADHD medication if I have anxiety?
Yes, but medication selection matters. Stimulants can worsen anxiety in some patients, which is why non-stimulants like Strattera or Qelbree are often preferred when anxiety coexists with ADHD. Some patients find that treating ADHD actually reduces anxiety--because the chaos and missed deadlines that ADHD causes were driving the anxiety in the first place. Your provider will evaluate both conditions and choose accordingly.
What if I've been on the same medication for years and it stopped working?
This is common and doesn't mean medication "failed." Tolerance can develop over time, and life changes (new job, new stressors, aging) can alter how your ADHD presents. Your provider can adjust the dose, switch to a different formulation within the same class, or try a different medication class entirely. A fresh check-up of your current symptoms helps identify the best adjustment.
Are generic ADHD medications as effective as brand-name?
Generics contain the same active ingredient at the same dose as brand-name medications and must meet FDA bioequivalence standards. For most patients, they work identically. However, differences in inactive ingredients (fillers, binders, release mechanisms) can occasionally affect how the medication feels. If you notice a difference after switching to generic, tell your provider--they may try a different manufacturer or switch back to the brand.
