Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has seen remarkable progress in recent decades. This advancement provides both parents and adults with a wider array of ADHD medication options than ever before. However, this abundance of choices can also lead to confusion and overwhelm when trying to determine the most effective treatment plan. If you’re exploring or currently using medication to manage ADHD for yourself or your child, understanding the different options is crucial. This guide offers a detailed comparison of ADHD drugs, helping you navigate dosages, formulations, and key considerations for both stimulant and non-stimulant medications.
Understanding ADHD Medications: Stimulants vs. Non-Stimulants
ADHD medications generally fall into two main categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants have been the cornerstone of ADHD treatment for many years and are often the first-line medications prescribed. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve focus, attention, and impulse control. Common stimulant medications include brands like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse.
Non-stimulant medications offer an alternative approach, working through different mechanisms in the brain. They are often considered for individuals who may not respond well to stimulants, experience significant side effects, or have certain co-existing conditions. Non-stimulant options include medications like Strattera (though discontinued in 2023), Intuniv, Qelbree, and Wellbutrin (used off-label for ADHD).
Choosing between stimulants and non-stimulants, and then among the various medications within each category, can be complex. Factors such as individual symptoms, medical history, potential side effects, and duration of action all play a significant role in determining the most suitable ADHD drug.
ADHD Drugs Compared: Detailed Table of Medications
To help clarify the landscape of ADHD medications, the following table provides a detailed comparison of various FDA-approved drugs. It includes both stimulant and non-stimulant options, outlining their formulations, compounds, duration of action, dosing considerations, and availability of savings programs. This comprehensive overview aims to empower you with the knowledge needed to discuss treatment options effectively with your healthcare provider.
| MEDICATION | FORMULATION | COMPOUND | DURATION | DOSING CONSIDERATIONS | SAVINGS PROGRAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| METHYLPHENIDATE (Stimulants) | |||||
| Aptensio XR® or generic | Extended-release capsule | Methylphenidate – Capsule with multilayer beads (40% immediate-release, 60% extended-release) | ~12 hours | May open capsule and sprinkle on applesauce. | YES |
| Concerta® or generic | Extended-release tablet | Methylphenidate – OROS osmotic pump tablet (biphasic release) | ~12 hours | Swallow whole. Non-absorbable shell may appear in stool. Patriot generic is the authorized substitute. | YES |
| Cotempla XRODT™ | Extended-release orally disintegrating tablet | Methylphenidate – Dissolving tablet (25% immediate-release, 75% extended-release) | 12-13 hours | Grape-flavored, dissolves in saliva. | YES |
| Daytrana® or generic | Transdermal patch | Methylphenidate – Patch applied daily | ~9-hour wear-time | Wear time adjustable. Monitor for skin sensitivity. Slow onset. | YES |
| JORNAY PM™ | Delayed release – Extended release capsule | Methylphenidate – Dual-layer delexis delivery (delayed and daytime release) | 12 – 14 hours | Take before sleep for morning symptom control. | YES |
| Methylphenidate HCl (Lupin) | Chewable tablet | Methylphenidate HCl | 3-4 hours | Grape-flavored chewable tablet. | N/A |
| Methylphenidate HCl (Mallinckrodt) | Extended-release tablet | Methylphenidate HCl | 6-8 hours | Swallow whole, do not crush or chew. | N/A |
| Methylin™ Liquid or generic | Oral solution | Methylphenidate HCl | 3-4 hours | Colorless, grape-flavored liquid. Store at room temp. | N/A |
| Quillichew ER™ | Extended-release chewable tablet | Methylphenidate (30% immediate-release, 70% extended-release) | ~8 hours | Cherry-flavored, with or without food. | YES |
| Quillivant XR® | Extended-release oral suspension | Methylphenidate (20% immediate-release, 80% extended-release) | ~12 hours | Fruit-flavored, with or without food. Shake well. Room temp storage. | YES |
| Ritalin® or generic | Short-acting, immediate- release tablet | Methylphenidate HCl | 3-4 hours | Abrupt onset/offset may increase side effects. | N/A |
| Ritalin LA® or generic | Extended-release capsule | Methylphenidate – SODA S technology (50% immediate-release, 50% delayed-release) | 8-12 hours | May open capsule and sprinkle on applesauce. | N/A |
| SERDEXMETHYLPHENIDATE & DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE (Stimulants) | |||||
| Azstarys™ | Once-daily oral capsule | Dexmethylphenidate serdexmethylphenidate | ~13 hours | With or without food. May open capsule and sprinkle on applesauce or water. | YES |
| DEXMETHYLPHENIDATE (Stimulants) | |||||
| Dexmethylphenidate HCI ER | Extended-release capsule | Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride | 8-12 hours | May open capsule, do not crush/chew contents. | N/A |
| Focalin® or generic | Short-acting, immediate- release tablet | Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride | 4-6 hours | Dextroisomer of methylphenidate, lower dose needed. | N/A |
| Focalin XR® or generic | Extended-release capsule | Dexmethylphenidate – SODA S technology (50% immediate-release, 50% delayed-release) | 8-12 hours | May open capsule and sprinkle on applesauce. | YES |
| AMPHETAMINE (Stimulants) | |||||
| Adzenys ER™ | Extended-release oral suspension | Amphetamine (50% immediate-release, 50% delayed-release) | 10-12 hours | Orange-flavored, with or without food. Shake well before dispensing. | YES |
| Adzenys XR-ODT™ | Extended-release orally disintegrating tablet | Amphetamine (50% immediate-release, 50% delayed-release) | 10-12 hours | Dissolves in saliva. | YES |
| Dyanavel® XR | Extended-release oral suspension | Amphetamine – Oral solution | ~13 hours | Bubblegum flavor, with or without food. Shake bottle before dose. Room temp storage. | YES |
| DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (Stimulants) | |||||
| Dexedrine® or generic | Short-acting tablet | Dextroamphetamine Sulfate | 3-4 hours | Take first dose upon waking. | N/A |
| Dexedrine ER® or generic | Extended-release spansule | Dextroamphetamine Sulfate (sustained-release spansule) | 5-10 hours | Initial dose released immediately, remaining gradually. | N/A |
| ProCentra® or generic | Oral solution | Dextroamphetamine Sulfate | 3-6 hours | Bubblegum flavor, with or without food. Shake bottle before dose. Room temp storage. | YES |
| Xelstrym | Transdermal patch | Dextroamphetamine | ~9 hours | Patch applied to upper arm, back, hip, chest, or flank. Apply 2 hours before effect needed. Max 1 patch/24 hours. | N/A |
| Zenzedi® or generic | Immediate-release tablet | Dextroamphetamine Sulfate | 4-6 hours | Take first dose upon waking. | YES |
| METHAMPHETAMINE (Stimulants) | |||||
| Desoxyn® or generic | Immediate-release tablet | Methamphetamine | 4-6 hours | N/A | |
| MIXED AMPHETAMINE SALTS (Stimulants) | |||||
| Dextroamphetamine /amphetamine (Ani Pharms) | Immediate-release tablet | Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate, Amphetamine Sulfate | 5-8 hours | N/A | |
| Dextroamphetamine /amphetamine (Ani Pharms) | Extended-release capsule | Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate, Amphetamine Sulfate | 10-12 hours | May open ER capsule, do not crush/chew. | N/A |
| Adderall® or generic | Short-acting, immediate-release tablet | Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate, Amphetamine Sulfate | 4-6 hours | With or without food. | N/A |
| Adderall® XR or generic | Extended-release capsule | Mixed Amphetamine Salts – Microtrol delivery system (50% immediate-release, 50% delayed-release) | 10-12 hours | May open capsule and sprinkle on applesauce. | N/A |
| Mydayis® | Long-acting capsule | Mixed Amphetamine Salts – Triple-bead formulation | 14-16 hours | May open capsule and sprinkle on applesauce. | YES |
| AMPHETAMINE SULFATE (Stimulants) | |||||
| Evekeo® or generic | Immediate-release tablet | Amphetamine Sulfate (50% dextroamphetamine, 50% levoamphetamine) | 4-6 hours | YES | |
| LISDEXAMFETAMINE (Stimulants) | |||||
| Vyvanse® | Long-acting capsule | Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate | 10-13 hours | May open capsule and dissolve in water, yogurt, or orange juice (use immediately). | N/A |
| Vyvanse® | Chewable tablet | Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate | 10-13 hours | Strawberry flavored, with or without food. | N/A |
| ATOMOXETINE (Non-Stimulant) | |||||
| Strattera® or generic (discontinued in 2023) | Long-acting capsule | Atomoxetine | ~24 hours | Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. May take weeks for full effect. Swallow whole, powder is irritating. Dose may be divided to reduce side effects. | YES |
| CLONIDINE (Non-Stimulant) | |||||
| Kapvay® or generic clonidine (discontinued in 2023) | Extended-release tablet | Clonidine Hydrochloride | ~24 hours | Swallow whole. | N/A |
| GUANFACINE (Non-Stimulant) | |||||
| Intuniv™ or generic guanfacine | Extended-release tablet | Guanfacine | ~24 hours | Swallow whole. High-fat meal may increase absorption. FDA-approved up to 7mg. | YES |
| BUPROPION (Non-Stimulant) | |||||
| Wellbutrin XL® or generic | Extended-release tablet | Bupropion HCL | ~24 hours | Lower efficacy for ADHD. May take 8 weeks for full effect. | YES |
| VILOXAZINE (Non-Stimulant) | |||||
| Qelbree™ | Extended-release tablet | Viloxazine hydrochloride | ~24 hours | May swallow whole or open capsule and sprinkle on applesauce. | YES |
Note: Duration of action is an estimate and may vary. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Key Considerations When Choosing ADHD Medication
Navigating the options in the Adhd Drugs Compared table involves understanding several key factors:
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Formulation and Duration: ADHD medications come in various formulations, including immediate-release, extended-release, and delayed-release options. Immediate-release formulations offer shorter durations, often requiring multiple doses per day, while extended and delayed-release versions are designed for longer-lasting effects, sometimes up to 24 hours. The ideal duration depends on the individual’s needs and daily schedule. For instance, Jornay PM’s delayed-release formulation is specifically designed for evening dosing to control morning symptoms.
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Stimulant vs. Non-Stimulant Type: As mentioned earlier, stimulants and non-stimulants work differently. Stimulants are generally more potent and faster-acting, while non-stimulants may be preferred for certain individuals or situations. Strattera, for example, a non-stimulant, needs to be taken consistently for several weeks to reach its full effect, unlike stimulants which provide more immediate symptom relief.
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Dosing Considerations and Administration: The table highlights specific dosing considerations, such as whether a medication can be taken with food, if capsules can be opened, or if there are flavor options for children. For example, Aptensio XR and Focalin XR capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce, which can be helpful for children or adults who have difficulty swallowing pills. Cotempla XRODT is an orally disintegrating tablet, offering a convenient option for those who prefer not to swallow pills. Daytrana’s transdermal patch allows for controlled medication delivery through the skin.
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Savings Programs: The availability of savings programs can significantly impact the affordability of ADHD medications. Several brand-name medications listed in the table offer patient savings programs, which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Links to these programs are provided for easy access.
Navigating ADHD Medication Options with Your Doctor
The “best” ADHD medication is highly individual and depends on a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. This ADHD drugs compared guide is intended to be a starting point for informed discussions with your doctor, not a substitute for professional medical advice. It’s essential to consider:
- Individual Symptoms and Needs: Discuss your specific ADHD symptoms, their severity, and how they impact your daily life or your child’s life.
- Medical History and Co-existing Conditions: Share your complete medical history, including any other health conditions and medications you are taking, to avoid potential interactions or contraindications.
- Lifestyle and Preferences: Consider your daily routines, preferences for medication formulations (e.g., pills, liquids, patches), and desired duration of effect.
- Potential Side Effects: Discuss potential side effects of different medications with your doctor. While the table provides formulation and duration details, it does not list side effects, precautions, or interactions. Refer to the provided links for detailed information on each medication or consult WebMD’s Drug & Medication Database.
By using this ADHD drugs comparison as a tool and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can navigate the choices and find the most effective medication to manage ADHD and improve your quality of life or that of your child.
For more detailed information on each medication, including side effects, precautions, and drug interactions, please visit the WebMD Drugs & Medication Database.
For information on ADHD medication savings programs, refer to this chart.
