Three drug classes. Six medications ADHDose models in detail. Amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants, plus the non-stimulant alternatives. Each has a different shape across the day.
FDA-approved stimulants are first-line for adults. Non-stimulants are typically considered when stimulants are ineffective, cause intolerable side effects, or are clinically unsuitable.
The most widely prescribed stimulant family in the US. Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine prodrug (Vyvanse). Faster, stronger releaser-style mechanism than methylphenidate.
Reuptake inhibitor. Same active mechanism as Concerta and Ritalin. ADHDose adds the US-specific Focalin XR, which uses the more potent dexmethylphenidate isomer.
Different mechanisms (norepinephrine reuptake; viloxazine adds serotonergic activity). Take weeks to reach full effect. 24-hour coverage. Qelbree is US-specific (FDA-approved for adults in 2021).
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.
Amphetamines increase both dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain through a releaser-style mechanism. Three formulations are supported in ADHDose.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prodrug your body converts into dextroamphetamine gradually in the bloodstream. The conversion produces a smooth, sustained effect from a single morning dose. 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 four 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 four to six hours. Taken multiple times daily; also commonly used as a booster alongside long-acting formulations.
Why prodrugs feel different. Vyvanse must be enzymatically activated before it produces dextroamphetamine. That conversion smooths the rise and lengthens the tail. Adderall XR achieves duration through formulation engineering rather than pharmacology, which is why it tends to feel more like two doses than one continuous effect.
Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. ADHDose supports one US-specific methylphenidate formulation in detail.
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.
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-trough cycle. ADHDose does not model a daily concentration curve for non-stimulants because there is no meaningful daily peak to visualise. Instead, it tracks daily focus, mood, sleep and side effects over the weeks it takes to reach full effect.
Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with additional serotonergic activity. FDA-approved for adults in 2021. Reaches full effect in approximately two to four weeks. Currently available only in the US.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that provides continuous coverage. Reaches full effect in approximately four to six weeks. Available in the US, UK and EU.
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 Adderall 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. 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 prescriber are assessing whether the medication is reaching full effect.
Every US ADHD medication ADHDose models, type, onset, duration, and dosing schedule.
| Medication | Type | Onset | Duration | Daily doses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vyvanse | Amphetamine prodrug | 1–2h | 10–14h | 1 |
| Adderall XR | Mixed amphetamine salts | 30–60m | 10–12h | 1 |
| Adderall IR | Mixed amphetamine salts | 30–60m | 4–6h | 2–3 |
| Focalin XR | Dexmethylphenidate | ~30m | 8–12h | 1 |
| Qelbree | Non-stimulant · NRI + 5HT | 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 the concentration curve in real time for stimulants and tracks daily patterns for non-stimulants.
This page is for informational purposes only. ADHDose is a tracking tool, not a medical device. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your prescribing doctor or specialist before making changes to your medication. References used: FDA labels, manufacturer Patient Information, peer-reviewed pharmacokinetic studies. Contact: [email protected]