ADHD (ADD) Medication for Adults

Key Takeaways

• Stimulant medications for ADHD can be addictive, so it’s important to take them exactly as prescribed.
• Adults with ADHD may have trouble focusing, organizing tasks, and can display impulsive behavior.
• Stimulant drugs for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (previously known as ADD) is a neurological condition that begins in childhood. About 60% of early ADHD cases progress into adulthood. But while children display serious signs of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity—adults have less intense characteristics of the condition. In particular, behaviors like hyperactivity tend to decrease over time in older people with ADHD. 

Despite having decreased and less intense ADHD traits, adults with this disorder still require treatment to manage the that stem from having a form of neurodivergence that is often poorly accommodated in a neurotypical society. Depression, anxiety, daytime sleepiness, poor academic performance, and social functioningare just some of the ways this condition affects well-being. 

To improve symptoms, drugs are first-line treatments prescribed by healthcare providers to care for this disorder. Read on to learn about different ADHD medications for adults, and how they improve symptoms.

What is the most important information I should know about ADD medication?

• Stimulant medications have a risk of dependence and addiction, so always take your ADHD medicine as directed.
• Talk to your doctor if you have another mental health condition, medical condition, substance use disorder, or are taking an MAOI. Some ADHD medications may be contraindicated depending on the nature of your condition or other medications you are taking.

Characteristics of ADHD in Adults

Experiencing trouble with attention, getting easily distracted, and showing impulsive traits are the broad trait categories of ADHD. 

This condition may be suspected when a person routinely displays the following behaviors:

• Having a tough time getting started on tasks
• Trouble paying attention to detail
• Noticeable difficulties in organizing and prioritizing tasks
• Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks that require extended concentration
• Prone to impulsive behavior
• Other psychiatric disorders
• Substance use

People with ADHD may also speak excessively, forget routine obligations, and often interrupt others during conversations. Other signs include fidgeting, being prone to losing things, or even struggling to engage quietly in leisurely activities.

It is important to note that ADHD is a form of neurodivergence. That means that an ADHDer’s brain processes information differently than someone who is considered neurotypical. ADHD traits can be disruptive, but that is because these traits are often misunderstood and poorly accommodated. Such problems can then affect personal and professional affairs. It may also create a wedge in relationships if your partner or others don’t understand your traits.

Medications for ADHD

When managing ADHD in adults, drugs are prescribed to enhance attention, boost academic achievements, and improve memory. Medication may also improve mental activity, decrease attention, and limit aggressive behavior. 

Two forms of medication are used to manage ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medications have been used for decades to manage ADHD. They include:

These drugs work by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain—particularly dopamine. Dopamine is associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. Around 70% of adults with this condition report symptom improvement after starting these drugs.

These stimulants improve focus in people with ADHD. They are also beneficial for impulsive and hyperactive behaviors. 

Approximately two percent of Americans between the ages of 20 and 44 used stimulants for ADHD in 2010. The number of U.S. adults taking stimulant medications for ADHD increased dramatically in recent years, particularly during 2020 and 2021. This trend is attributed to increased awareness of ADHD in adults. The number of stimulant prescriptions increased by nearly 20% in one year, particularly among women in their 20s and 30s.

Stimulants are broadly classified into short and long-lasting medications:

• Short-lasting stimulants: These medications are usually taken two to three times a day. Short-acting stimulants have immediate-release formulations—they require around 30-45 minutes after use to impact behavior. These drugs usually peak within one to two hours and are largely eliminated from the body after five hours. For a full day’s management of ADHD, two to three short-acting stimulants may be required. 
• Long-lasting stimulants: These drugs are developed to go into effect gradually and to wear off over time following use. Around 5.9% of adults have prescriptions for long-acting stimulants. These medications are ideal for people who have difficulty remembering to use short-acting drugs at different points of the day. There is also a reduced potential for abuse.

Intermediate treatments also exist. They include medications like Metadate CD (methylphenidate) and Metadate ER (methylphenidate).

Non-Stimulant Medication

Non-stimulant medication is suitable for the 30% of patients who do not respond properly to stimulant medication. Non-stimulants are considered less effective than stimulating counterparts, so they are usually a second or third-line treatment for managing ADHD symptoms.

Non-stimulant treatments include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Non-tricyclic antidepressants
• Specific norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
• Alpha-2 noradrenergic agonists
• Non-schedule stimulants 

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This drug influences norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter important for energy and attentiveness. By acting as a norepinephrine inhibitor, atomoxetine helps to increase the levels of this chemical messenger in the body.

Qelbree (viloxazine) was also recently approved to treat ADHD in adults. It is also a non-stimulant selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI). 

Side Effects of ADD Medication

Like other drug treatments, ADHD medication may produce side effects when administered.  Specific side effects can vary depending on the type of medication used and the individual characteristics. They may also vary in intensity and diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the drug.

Side Effects of Stimulants

Some of the most common side effects of stimulants in adults with ADHD include:

Risk for Dependence and Addiction

Stimulants such as Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine) are categorized as Schedule II drugs, which means they may have a high potential for abuse. It is possible to develop a dependence on these medications. However, this risk is lower when medications are taken as prescribed.

Research suggests that appropriate ADHD treatment, including the use of stimulant medications, actually reduces the risk of substance dependence by helping people better manage impulsive behaviors and reducing the likelihood of self-medication.

In addition to side effects, special care is required to begin stimulant medication. In particular, people with the following conditions should steer clear of this treatment:

Side Effects of Non-Stimulants

When using non-stimulants like atomoxetine, caution is required to manage possible side effects. These adverse reactions include:

• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Poor appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness

Side effects associated with these drugs are typically mild or moderate. 

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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By Elizabeth Plumptre

Elizabeth is a freelance health and wellness writer. She helps brands craft factual, yet relatable content that resonates with diverse audiences.

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