Four active molecules. Twelve plus brand names. Immediate-release, modified-release, gradual-release, long-acting and around-the-clock formulations. This page covers all of them, with a visual profile for each.
NICE recommends stimulants as first-line treatment. Non-stimulants are used when stimulants are ineffective, cause significant side effects, or are clinically unsuitable.
Increases dopamine and norepinephrine via reuptake inhibition. The most commonly prescribed ADHD medication in the UK. Available across short, medium and long-acting formulations.
Two amphetamine medications are licensed in the UK. Both produce d-amphetamine as the active molecule. Faster, stronger releaser-style mechanism than methylphenidate.
Different mechanisms (norepinephrine reuptake; alpha-2A agonism). Take weeks to reach full effect, provide around-the-clock coverage, and must be tapered rather than stopped abruptly.
Each card lists the brand and active molecule, its release type, and how long it stays active. Tap any card for the full guide.
Hover any row to isolate it. Bars represent typical effective coverage, not the full pharmacokinetic tail.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication in the UK. It is available in immediate-release tablets (taken 2 to 3 times daily) and several modified-release formulations (taken once daily in the morning). All methylphenidate formulations contain the same active molecule but differ in how they release it through the day.
Immediate-release tablets (Ritalin, Medikinet) peak at about two hours and clear in two to four. Useful for fine-tuning timing, but multiple doses are needed.
Bimodal modified-release capsules (Medikinet XL, Equasym XL, Ritalin XL) use a 50/50 split of immediate-release and extended-release beads. The result is two visible peaks across six to eight hours.
OROS-style modified-release tablets (Concerta XL, plus the equivalent generic brands Matoride XL, Xaggitin XL, Delmosart XL, Xenidate XL, Affenid XL) use a laser-drilled gradual-release pump. A 22% immediate-release coating provides initial effect; the remaining 78% is released gradually over 10 to 12 hours. Tablets must not be crushed or broken.
OROS generics. All gradual-release pump brands listed above are pharmacologically equivalent to Concerta XL. Pharmacies may substitute based on availability. ADHDose models the identical concentration profile because the underlying PK is the same.
Two amphetamine medications are prescribed in the UK. Both produce d-amphetamine as the active molecule, but they differ in how quickly it reaches the brain.
Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prodrug your body activates gradually. The conversion creates a slow, smooth onset (peak at about four hours) and a long tail (half-life approximately ten hours). Once daily. Coverage runs late into the evening, which can affect the wind-down window for sleep.
Dexamfetamine (Amfexa) is the same active molecule absorbed directly, not as a prodrug. Faster onset (peak at about 2.5 hours), shorter per-dose duration. Typically prescribed one to three times daily. The UK uses the spelling dexamfetamine (no 'p'), following MHRA convention.
Atomoxetine works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine. Takes four to six weeks to reach full effect. Available as capsules and liquid. Active 24 hours a day. Half-life varies significantly by genetics: approximately five hours in most people (extensive metabolisers), up to 22 hours in poor metabolisers (around 7% of Caucasians).
Guanfacine works through alpha-2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex, not the dopamine pathway. Takes two to four weeks to reach full effect. Should not be taken with a high-fat meal (increases absorption by up to 75%). Currently licensed for ages 6 to 17 in the UK; off-label adult use occurs.
For stimulant medications, ADHDose models your concentration profile hour by hour and translates it into real-time guidance through your day. For multi-dose medications like Ritalin IR, the app handles each dose separately and stitches the picture together. The Clinician Summary export pulls 28 days of patterns into NHS prescriber format for review appointments.
For non-stimulants, there is no daily curve to model because coverage is continuous. Instead, ADHDose focuses on daily tracking: focus, mood, sleep and adherence patterns over time. That data is especially useful during the initial weeks when you and your specialist are assessing whether the medication is reaching full effect.
Every UK ADHD medication, type, duration, dosing schedule and brand list, in one place.
| Medication | Type | Duration | Dosing | UK brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methylphenidate IR | Stimulant | 2–4h | 2–3x daily | Ritalin, Medikinet |
| Methylphenidate MR (bimodal) | Stimulant | 6–8h | 1x daily | Medikinet XL, Equasym XL, Ritalin XL |
| Methylphenidate MR (OROS) | Stimulant | 10–12h | 1x daily | Concerta XL, Matoride XL, Xaggitin XL, Delmosart XL, Xenidate XL, Affenid XL |
| Lisdexamfetamine | Stimulant | Up to 14h | 1x daily | Elvanse |
| Dexamfetamine | Stimulant | Up to 6h | 1–3x daily | Amfexa |
| Atomoxetine | Non-stimulant | 24h | 1x daily | Strattera (generic: atomoxetine) |
| Guanfacine | Non-stimulant | 24h | 1x daily | Intuniv, Paxneury (generic: guanfacine) |
ADHDose models the concentration curve for stimulants and tracks daily patterns for non-stimulants.
ADHDose is a tracking tool, not a medical device. It does not diagnose or prescribe. Always consult your specialist before making changes to your medication. References used: BNF, NICE NG87, manufacturer Patient Information Leaflets. Contact: [email protected]