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.

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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.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

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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; rapid onset, very long tail. Contains IR component.	$$$$
	Stimulant Jornay PM Brand Only	Oral Capsule	10h Delay	12 hrs (Day)	Taken at 8pm; absorbs in colon to work by next morning.	$$$$
	Stimulant Daytrana Brand Only	Skin Patch	2 hrs	10-12 hrs	Methylphenidate patch; can be removed early if needed.	$$$$
	Stimulant Focalin (IR) Generic Available	Oral Tablet	30 min	4 hrs	Pure active isomer; often fewer side effects than Ritalin.	$
	Stimulant Quillivant XR Brand Only	Oral Liquid	45 min	12 hrs	ER liquid; must shake vigorously for 10s before use.	$$$$
	Non-Stim Strattera Generic Available	Oral Capsule	2-4 Weeks	24 hrs	Non-controlled; excellent for 24-hour symptom coverage.	$
	Non-Stim Qelbree Brand Only	Oral Capsule	1-2 Weeks	24 hrs	SNRI; can be opened/sprinkled. Faster onset than Strattera.	$$$
	Non-Stim Intuniv Generic Available	Oral Tablet	1-2 Weeks	24 hrs	Guanfacine ER; targets tics, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation.	$
	Non-Stim Onyda XR Brand Only	Oral Liquid	1-2 Weeks	24 hrs	Newly approved liquid non-stimulant (Clonidine).	$$$
	Non-Stim Wellbutrin SR Generic Available	Sustained Release	1-2 Weeks	12 hrs	Typically dosed twice daily. Useful for patients who need more flexibility in the evening or who find the XL version interferes with sleep.	$
	Non-Stim Wellbutrin XL Generic Available	Extended Release	1-2 Weeks	24 hrs	Standard once-daily dosing. Provides a steady 24-hour baseline of dopamine and norepinephrine; helpful for ADHD "brain fog." Great choice with comorbid depression.	$
	Off-Label Modafinil Generic Available	Oral Tablet	1 hr	12-15 hrs	Wake-promoting; reduces ADHD "brain fog" without jitters.	$$
	Off-Label Armodafinil Generic Available	Oral Tablet	1 hr	15 hrs	R-isomer of modafinil; longer-lasting focus profile.	$$

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