A guide to the ADHD medications prescribed in the United States that ADHDose supports. There are three drug classes: amphetamine-based stimulants, methylphenidate-based stimulants, and non-stimulants. Each works differently, lasts a different amount of time, and interacts with your day in a different way. ADHDose models stimulant concentration curves in real time and tracks daily patterns for non-stimulants.
Stimulant medications work by directly increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They take effect within hours of the first dose, and you can usually tell within the first day or two whether a stimulant is doing something. They have a daily rise-and-fall cycle: the medication builds, peaks, and wears off.
Non-stimulant medications work through different mechanisms and take weeks to reach full effect. They provide continuous, around-the-clock coverage without a daily peak-and-trough cycle. The trade-off is that you do not get an immediate signal of whether the medication is working. Tracking daily patterns over weeks is how you and your prescriber determine whether a non-stimulant is effective.
Most adults start with a stimulant (the FDA-approved first-line treatment for ADHD). Non-stimulants are typically considered when stimulants are ineffective, cause intolerable side effects, or are clinically unsuitable. ADHDose supports both classes.
These medications are based on amphetamine salts. They increase both dopamine and norepinephrine. Three formulations are supported in ADHDose:
Vyvanse is a prodrug that your body converts into dextroamphetamine gradually. This produces a smooth, sustained effect from a single morning dose. It is one of the most widely prescribed long-acting ADHD stimulants in the US. Known as Elvanse in the UK and Venvanse in the EU.
Adderall XR contains a mixture of four amphetamine salts (75% dextroamphetamine, 25% levoamphetamine) in a two-phase bead system. Half the dose releases immediately, the rest releases approximately 4 hours later. This produces two distinct peaks of activity through the day.
Adderall IR delivers the same mixed amphetamine salts as Adderall XR but as a single immediate release. Each dose lasts 4 to 6 hours. It is taken multiple times daily and is also commonly used as a booster alongside long-acting formulations.
These medications block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. ADHDose supports one US-specific methylphenidate formulation:
Focalin XR contains dexmethylphenidate, the more pharmacologically active isomer of methylphenidate. Because it uses only the active form, Focalin XR achieves equivalent effectiveness at roughly half the milligram dose of racemic methylphenidate formulations like Concerta or Ritalin.
Note: Concerta (methylphenidate OROS) and Ritalin (methylphenidate IR) are also available in the US. ADHDose supports both. See the Concerta guide and Ritalin guide for details.
Non-stimulants take weeks to reach full effect. They provide 24-hour coverage without a daily peak and wear-off cycle. ADHDose does not model a daily concentration curve for non-stimulants (there is no meaningful daily peak to visualise). Instead, it tracks your daily focus, mood, sleep, and side effects over the weeks it takes to reach full therapeutic effect.
Qelbree is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with additional serotonergic activity. FDA-approved for adults in 2021. It reaches full effect in approximately 2 to 4 weeks. Currently available only in the US.
Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that provides continuous coverage. It reaches full effect in approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Available in the US, UK, and EU.
| Medication | Type | Onset | Duration | Daily doses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vyvanse | Stimulant (amphetamine prodrug) | 1-2h | 10-14h | 1 |
| Adderall XR | Stimulant (mixed amphetamine salts) | 30-60m | 10-12h | 1 |
| Adderall IR | Stimulant (mixed amphetamine salts) | 30-60m | 4-6h | 2-3 |
| Focalin XR | Stimulant (dexmethylphenidate) | ~30m | 8-12h | 1 |
| Qelbree | Non-stimulant (NRI + serotonergic) | Weeks | 24h | 1 |
| Strattera | Non-stimulant (NRI) | Weeks | 24h | 1 |
Looking for UK medications? See the UK ADHD medications guide, which covers Elvanse, Concerta XL, Ritalin, Medikinet, and Dexamfetamine.
ADHDose models your concentration curve in real time for stimulants and tracks daily patterns for non-stimulants. See what your medication is actually doing.
Download free →This page is for informational purposes only. ADHDose is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your prescribing doctor or specialist before making changes to your medication. Contact: [email protected]