{"id":208889,"date":"2021-07-27T05:16:33","date_gmt":"2021-07-27T09:16:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.additudemag.com\/?p=208889"},"modified":"2025-09-11T17:12:47","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T21:12:47","slug":"adhd-medication-list-treatments-children-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.additudemag.com\/adhd-medication-list-treatments-children-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate ADHD Medication List"},"content":{"rendered":"

EDITORS’ NOTE:<\/span> The following information is updated annually. The ADHD Medication Guide<\/a>, developed and maintained by Dr. Andrew Adesman, comprises a comparison chart of FDA-approved stimulants and non-stimulants that is updated more frequently.<\/p>\n

ADHD Medications Overview<\/h2>\n

This chart presents the most popular and most commonly prescribed medications used to treat ADHD in children and adults. Stimulant medications are categorized into methylphenidates and amphetamines, and non-stimulants are included at the end.<\/p>\n

Share this ADHD medication<\/a> chart with your doctor to aid the process of finding the treatment solution that best manages symptoms for yourself or your child.<\/p>\n

For further detail on each medication, including dosages, precautions, and interactions, visit the WebMD Drugs & Medication Database<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
MEDICATION<\/th>\nFORMULATION<\/th>\nDURATION AND DELIVERY SYSTEM<\/th>\nNOTES ON ADMINISTRATION<\/th>\nSAVINGS PROGRAM<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Methylphenidates<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aptensio XR\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or
\ngeneric (Rhodes Pharmaceuticals et al)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n		Capsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 40% immediate-release layer and 60% controlled-release layer<\/span><\/td>\nCapsule may be opened and contents swallowed with applesauce or yogurt.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Azstarys\u2122<\/span><\/a> (Corium)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 30% immediate-release, 70% absorbed slowly over several hours*<\/span><\/td>\nCapsule may be opened and contents swallowed with applesauce.<\/span><\/td>\nCoriumCaresTM Support
\nProgram<\/a>(800-910-8432)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Concerta\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic (Janssen and others)\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; initial peak at 1 hour, then gradual release over 9 hours*<\/span><\/td>\nMust be swallowed whole with liquid; non-absorbable shell may be passed in stool.<\/span><\/td>\nCONCERTA\u00ae Savings<\/a>
\nProgram
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cotempla XR-ODT\u00ae\u2028<\/span><\/a> (Aytu BioPharma)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nOrally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 25% immediate-release and 75% extended-release particles*<\/span><\/td>\nGrape-flavored; allow tablet to dissolve in saliva.<\/span><\/td>\nNeos RxConnect Program<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Daytrana\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic (Noven Therapeutics)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTransdermal patch<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 9-hour maximum wear-time; apply 2 hours before the effect is needed; effects last up to 3 hours after the patch is removed*<\/span><\/td>\nApplied once-daily to alternating hips; time worn can vary to control effect duration; do not cut or tear patch; monitor for skin sensitivity.<\/span><\/td>\nSavings on Daytrana\u00ae<\/a>
\nprogram
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Focalin\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic \u2028(Novartis and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nTwo doses may be prescribed per day, at least four hours apart.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Focalin XR\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic \u2028(Novartis and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 50% immediate-release and 50% delayed-release<\/span><\/td>\nCapsule may be opened and contents swallowed with applesauce.<\/span><\/td>\nFocalin\u00ae XR Co-Pay Card<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
JORNAY PM\u00ae\u2028<\/span><\/a> (Ironshore Pharmaceuticals)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; outer layer delays release for 10-12 hours for early morning symptom control, inner layer controls extended daytime release\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTake only in the evening. Capsule may be opened and contents swallowed with applesauce.<\/span><\/td>\nJornay PM\u2122 Savings Offer<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Methylin\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic (Shionogi Inc. and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nLiquid<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nGrape-flavored; two or three doses may be prescribed per day.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Methylin\u00ae Chewable<\/span><\/a> or generic (Shionogi Inc. and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nChewable tablet<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nGrape-flavored; two or three doses may be prescribed per day. Take 30-45 minutes before a meal.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
QuilliChew ER\u00ae\u2028<\/span><\/a> (Tris Pharma)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nChewable tablet<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 30% immediate-release and 70% extended-release. LiquiXR technology for continuous release throughout the day<\/span><\/td>\nCherry-flavored; taken once daily; tablet may be chewed or swallowed whole. 11 dosing options allow for microtitration.<\/span><\/td>\nTris Savings Program<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quillivant XR\u00ae\u2028<\/span><\/a> (Tris Pharma)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nLiquid<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 20% immediate-release and 80% extended-release. LiquiXR technology for continuous release throughout the day<\/span><\/td>\nBanana-flavored; shake for at least 10 seconds before administering; liquid format allows for microtitration.<\/span><\/td>\nTris Savings Program<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ritalin\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic\u2028 (Novartis and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nTwo or three doses may be prescribed per day.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ritalin LA\u00ae or generic (Novartis)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 50% immediate-release and 50% delayed-release (2nd peak 4 hours later)*<\/span><\/td>\nCapsule may be opened and contents swallowed with applesauce.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Amphetamines<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adderall\u00ae or generic\u2028 (Teva and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nTwo or three doses may be prescribed per day.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adderall XR\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic\u2028 (Takeda and others)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; mixture of immediate- and delayed-release beads for a double-pulsed delivery<\/span><\/td>\nCapsule may be opened and contents swallowed with applesauce<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adzenys XR-ODT\u00ae\u2028<\/span><\/a> (Aytu BioPharma)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nOrally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 50% immediate-release and 50% delayed-release particles*<\/span><\/td>\nOrange-flavored; allow tablet to dissolve in saliva<\/span><\/td>\nNeos RxConnect Program<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

De<\/span>xedrine\u00ae<\/span> or generic (GlaxoSmithKline)<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nTwo or three doses may be prescribed per day.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dexedrine\u00ae Liquid<\/span> or generic (GlaxoSmithKline)<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nTaken once or twice daily.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dexedrine\u00ae <\/span><\/a>Spansule or generic (Amneal Pharmaceuticals)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage<\/span><\/td>\nTaken once daily.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DYANAVEL\u00ae XR\u2028<\/span><\/a> (Tris Pharma)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nLiquid<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; up to 13 hours effectiveness. LiquiXR technology for continuous release throughout the day*<\/span><\/td>\nBubblegum-flavored; shake bottle before administering; liquid format allows for microtitration.<\/span><\/td>\nTris Savings Program<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Evekeo\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic\u2028 (Arbor Pharmaceuticals and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nTwo or three doses may be prescribed per day.<\/span><\/td>\nEvekeo\u00ae Copay Savings Program<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Evekeo ODT\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic\u2028 (Arbor Pharmaceuticals and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nOrally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nOne or three doses may be prescribed per day.<\/span><\/td>\nEvekeo\u00ae Copay Savings Program<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mydayis\u00ae<\/span><\/a> (Takeda)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage (up to 16 hours); 33% immediate release, 33% delayed-release, 33% second-phase delayed release.*<\/span><\/td>\nCapsule may be opened and contents swallowed with applesauce.<\/span><\/td>\nMydayis\u00ae Savings<\/a>
\nCard
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ProCentra\u00ae or
\ngeneric (Independence Pharmaceuticals and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n		Liquid<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nBubblegum-flavored; two or three doses may be prescribed per day<\/span><\/td>\nPatient Coupon<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vyvanse\u00ae<\/span><\/a> (Takeda)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; peaks in 3.5 hours*<\/span><\/td>\nCapsule may be opened and contents dissolved in water, yogurt, or orange juice.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vyvanse\u00ae (Takeda)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nChewable tablet<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; peaks in 4.4 hours*<\/span><\/td>\nStrawberry-flavored.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Xelstrym\u00ae<\/span><\/a> (Noven Pharmaceuticals)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTransdermal patch<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; 9-hour maximum wear-time; apply 2 hours before the effect is needed*<\/span><\/td>\nApplied once-daily to alternating upper arm, upper back, chest, or flank area. Do not use more than one patch in a 24-hour period.<\/span><\/td>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zenzedi\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic (Arbor
\nPharmaceuticals)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n		Tablet<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term coverage<\/span><\/td>\nTwo to three doses may be prescribed
\nper day.<\/span><\/td>\n		Zenzedi\u00ae Copay Savings Program<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Non-Stimulants<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Catapres \u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic (Boehringer Ingelheim)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; builds up to 24-hour effectiveness<\/span><\/td>\nTaken once daily. Tablet must be swallowed whole with liquid.<\/span><\/td>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Catpres TTS \u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic (LAVIPHARM)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTransdermal patch<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; builds up to 24-hour effectiveness<\/span><\/td>\nTransdermal patch is programmed to release medication at an approximately constant rate for 7 days.<\/span><\/td>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Intuniv\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic (Takeda Pharma and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; builds up to 24-hour effectiveness<\/span><\/td>\nTaken once daily. Tablet must be swallowed whole with liquid.<\/span><\/td>\nTakeda Help at Hand Program<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kapvay\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic (Advanz Pharma and others)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; builds up to 24-hour effectiveness<\/span><\/td>\nTaken twice daily. Tablet must be swallowed whole.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Qelbree\u2122\u2028<\/span><\/a> (Supernus Pharmaceuticals)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; builds up to 24-hour effectiveness<\/span><\/td>\nTaken once daily. Capsule may be opened and contents swallowed with applesauce<\/span><\/td>\nQelbree\u2122 Pediatric Savings Card<\/a>
\n<\/span>Qelbree\u2122 Adult Savings Card<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Strattera\u00ae<\/span><\/a> or generic \u2028(Eli Lilly and others)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nCapsule<\/span><\/td>\nExtended coverage; builds up to 24-hour effectiveness<\/span><\/td>\nTaken once or twice daily. Capsule must be swallowed whole with liquid.<\/span><\/td>\nLilly Cares\u00ae Foundation Patient Assistance Program<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

* The medication\u2019s estimated duration of action is based on information provided by the drug\u2019s manufacturer. For any individual patient, this medication’s effects may last longer or shorter than indicated.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

ADHD Medication List: Next Steps<\/h2>\n