ADHD Medications List: Stimulants vs Nonstimulants (Full Chart)
There are many medications available for ADHD, but they fall into two main categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants are typically first-line treatments and work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, improving focus and attention.
Nonstimulants are alternatives for patients who do not tolerate stimulants or need additional symptom control.
The chart below provides a comprehensive, clinically organized list of ADHD medications used in both adults and children. Click multiple medications for a side-by-side comparison.
Medical Disclaimer
This tool is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding a medical condition or medication.
ADHD Medication Navigator
Complete 2026 Reference Database
🥤 Alternate
Patch, ODT, Liquid
⏳ All-Day
12-16 Hour Focus
🌿 Non-Stim
24h / Low Anxiety
⚡ Boosters
Immediate Release
| Select | Medication | Method | Onset | Duration | Clinical Pearl | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stimulant Adderall (IR) Generic Available |
Oral Tablet | 30-45 min | 4-6 hrs | Standard immediate release; higher potential for afternoon "crash." Typically dosed 2-3x daily. | $ | |
| Stimulant Adderall XR Generic Available |
Oral Capsule | 30-60 min | 10-12 hrs | Dual-bead release; capsule can be opened and sprinkled. | $$ | |
| Stimulant Vyvanse Generic Available |
Capsule / Chew | 1-2 hrs | 12-14 hrs | Prodrug metabolized in blood; very smooth "on" and "off." | $$$ | |
| Stimulant Adzenys XR-ODT Brand Only |
Dissolvable (ODT) | 1 hr | 10-12 hrs | No water needed; melts on tongue. Orange flavored. Most similar to Adderall XR; great alternative during shortages. | $$$ | |
| Stimulant Xelstrym Brand Only |
Skin Patch | 2 hrs | 9 hrs (Wear) | Continuous skin delivery; bypasses GI tract entirely. | $$$$ | |
| Stimulant Mydayis Brand Only |
Oral Capsule | 1 hr | 14-16 hrs | Triple-bead release; designed for very long work/school days. Often hard to find. | $$$$ | |
| Stimulant Ritalin / Methylin Generic Available |
Tab / Liquid | 20-30 min | 3-5 hrs | Methylin is the liquid form of standard Ritalin. Typically dosed 2-3x daily. | $ | |
| Stimulant Concerta Generic Available |
OROS Tablet | 1 hr | 10-12 hrs | Must swallow whole; osmotic pump releases meds slowly. | $$ | |
| Stimulant Azstarys Brand Only |
Oral Capsule | 30 min | 13 hrs | Newer prodrug; features rapid onset with very long tail. Also contains an immediate release component in the same pill for more rapid onset. | $$$$ | |
| Stimulant Jornay PM Brand Only |
Oral Capsule | 10h Delay | 12 hrs (Day) | Taken at 8pm; absorbs in colon to work by next morning. | $$$$ | |
| Stimulant Daytrana Brand Only |
Skin Patch | 2 hrs | 10-12 hrs | Methylphenidate patch; can be removed early if needed. | $$$$ | |
| Stimulant Focalin (IR) Generic Available |
Oral Tablet | 30 min | 4 hrs | Pure active isomer; often has fewer side effects than Ritalin. | $ | |
| Stimulant Quillivant XR Brand Only |
Oral Liquid | 45 min | 12 hrs | Extended-release liquid; must shake for 10 seconds before use. | $$$$ | |
| Non-Stim Strattera Generic Available |
Oral Capsule | 2-4 Weeks | 24 hrs | Non-controlled; excellent for 24-hour symptom coverage. | $ | |
| Non-Stim Qelbree Brand Only |
Oral Capsule | 1-2 Weeks | 24 hrs | SNRI; can be opened and sprinkled. Faster onset than Strattera and possibly less nausea as a side effect. | $$$ | |
| Non-Stim Intuniv Generic Available |
Oral Tablet | 1-2 Weeks | 24 hrs | Guanfacine ER; targets tics, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. | $ | |
| Non-Stim Onyda XR Brand Only |
Oral Liquid | 1-2 Weeks | 24 hrs | Newly approved liquid non-stimulant (Clonidine). | $$$ | |
| Off-Label Modafinil Generic Available |
Oral Tablet | 1 hr | 12-15 hrs | Wake-promoting; reduces ADHD "brain fog" without standard jitters. | $$ | |
| Off-Label Armodafinil Generic Available |
Oral Tablet | 1 hr | 15 hrs | R-isomer of modafinil; longer-lasting focus profile. | $$ |