ADHD Medications

What are ADHD medications?

ADHD medications are prescription drugs that can reduce core symptoms of ADHD — inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity — and help people function at school, work and home.

What they’re used for

These medications are primarily used to treat ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. Some are also approved for other conditions, such as narcolepsy.

How they work

• Stimulants increase the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve attention and self-control. They include methylphenidate-based and amphetamine-based medications, in short- and long-acting forms.
• Non-stimulants work in other ways. Atomoxetine and viloxazine affect norepinephrine. Guanfacine and clonidine (extended-release) act on receptors involved in attention and impulse control.

How they’re taken

Most ADHD medications are taken by mouth, often once or twice daily. Long-acting formulations are designed to last through the day. Prescribers typically adjust doses gradually and review benefits and side effects regularly. This page does not provide dosing guidance.

Common side effects

• Reduced appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headache or stomachache
• Irritability or mood changes as medication wears off
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure (stimulants)
• Drowsiness or low blood pressure (guanfacine and clonidine)

Serious side effects

Contact a healthcare professional promptly about:

• Chest pain, fainting or shortness of breath
• New or worsening psychiatric symptoms, such as agitation, paranoia or hallucinations
• Circulation problems in the fingers or toes
• Thoughts of suicide (particularly with atomoxetine or viloxazine in young people)

Warnings

• Misuse: stimulants have a high potential for misuse. Store them securely and never share them.
• Heart health: tell your prescriber about any heart conditions or family history of sudden cardiac death.
• Growth: children’s height and weight are usually monitored.
• Stopping: guanfacine and clonidine should not be stopped suddenly because blood pressure can rebound.

Interactions

ADHD medications can interact with MAOIs (a dangerous combination), some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and decongestants. Alcohol and other substances can increase risks. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about everything you take.

Stimulants and non-stimulants compared

Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medicines, are the most widely used and have the largest evidence base for reducing core ADHD symptoms. They tend to work quickly, often within a day or so of starting or changing, and come in short-acting and longer-acting forms. They are controlled substances, so prescriptions are tightly regulated and usually require regular follow-up.

Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine, viloxazine and guanfacine, are not controlled substances. They may be considered when stimulants aren’t suitable, aren’t effective enough, cause troublesome side effects or when there are concerns about misuse. They generally take longer to work, sometimes several weeks, and the effect is often more gradual. Atomoxetine and viloxazine carry a boxed warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents.

Choosing and adjusting treatment

There is no single best ADHD medicine. Prescribers consider age, symptoms, other health conditions, other medicines, how long you need coverage during the day, family and personal history of heart problems, substance use and your preferences. Finding the right medicine and schedule often involves trial and adjustment over weeks to months, with feedback from you (and, for children, from parents and teachers). Be open about what you notice, including benefits, side effects and how you feel when the medicine wears off.

Monitoring

Regular check-ups usually include asking about symptoms and side effects, checking blood pressure and heart rate, and tracking weight and, in children, height. Sleep, appetite and mood changes are common topics. Tell your prescriber about palpitations, chest pain, fainting or unusual mood changes, and seek urgent care for serious symptoms.

Medication is one part of treatment

Medication can reduce symptoms but doesn’t teach skills. Many people benefit from combining it with CBT adapted for ADHD, coaching, organizational strategies and adjustments at work or school. Taking care of sleep, movement and meals supports attention too. For adults, see ADHD in adults, and for the condition overview, see ADHD.

Safe storage and misuse

Because stimulants can be misused, store them securely, never share them and take them only as prescribed. Using stimulants without a prescription, or at amounts and in ways not directed, carries risks including heart problems, anxiety, sleep loss and dependence. If you notice cravings, taking more than prescribed or others pressuring you for your medicine, speak to your prescriber.

Getting care online

Rules for prescribing controlled substances through telehealth are strict and have changed over time. Some online services don’t prescribe stimulants at all, while those that do must follow legal requirements and good clinical practice. Check the prescribing policy before you book, and be cautious of services that promise a particular medicine or a diagnosis after a brief questionnaire. See finding ADHD care and our guide to online ADHD treatment.

Questions to ask your healthcare professional

• Would a stimulant or non-stimulant be more suitable for me, and why?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• How will we monitor heart rate, blood pressure or growth?
• How will we decide whether the dose is right?
• What non-medication strategies should I combine with treatment?

If you are considering online care, check what a service can prescribe. For example, Sesame prescribes non-stimulant ADHD medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine but does not prescribe stimulants.