The Goal
ADHD medication aims to help people with ADHD reach their full potential.
As with all neurodevelopmental conditions, there’s no 'normal' state of mind to compare to, which can make treatment more difficult. Instead of aiming to ‘reset to normal’,
ADHD medication is used to manage symptoms such as impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity, and falls into two categories – stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are fast-acting medications that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Stimulant medication is popular, fast-acting and effective, and is usually the first option for treating ADHD.
Stimulant medication for ADHD comes in two types: short-release stimulants, which provide fast results (such as Ritalin) and long-release stimulants, which provide slow and steady results (such as Concerta and Matoride).
Non-stimulants take longer to become effective, and usually require long-term daily use to build to a steady state that effectively relieves the symptoms of ADHD.
is part of the Department of Health in the United Kingdom.
It provides clinical guidance on treatments and their effectiveness, and serves both the English and Welsh NHS.
Once you’ve received an ADHD diagnosis – whether through your GP or a private specialist – you may be offered medication.
The specialist will consider your ADHD symptoms and medical history to decide on the best medication for you. Known coexisting neurodevelopmental conditions – such as autism spectrum condition (ASC) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – or mental health issues (such as anxiety or depression) will be taken into account.
They will then take you through the process outlined below – known as titration – to ensure you have the right dose of the right medication to effectively manage your ADHD symptoms.
NICE guidelines contain more detail about the ADHD medication process and each of the different types of medication available.
“Drug treatment for adults with ADHD should always form part of a comprehensive treatment programme that addresses psychological, behavioural and educational or occupational needs. Following a decision to start drug treatment in adults with ADHD, methylphenidate should normally be tried first.”
Medication Options
Methylphenidate
Stimulant
Short release (fast acting): Ritalin
Lasts 2 to 3 hours, 30 minutes after being taken
Long release (slow acting): Concerta, Matoride
Lasts several hours, taken once daily
Atomoxetine
Non-Stimulant
Long release (slow acting): Strattera
Similar to an antidepressant, Strattera may be prescribed when there’s a history of substance abuse or problematic behaviours. Its effects take time to build into the system.
Dexamphetamine
Stimulant
Short release (fast acting): Dexamphetamine
Similar to Methylphenidate. Dexamphetamine is not prescribed to those with substance abuse issues – or at the risk of substance abuse – as it can be addictive
Lisdexamphetamine
Stimulant
Long release (slow acting): Elvanse
Non-active chemical breaks down into liver and becomes dexamfetamine which has the brand name Elvanse. Is not addictive.
80%
success rate in ADHD medication
Medication doesn’t have to be taken forever. It can be used to gauge how much it changes your daily life and adjusted accordingly
You can choose to take ADHD medication as and when you need it
In addition, ADHD Aware can support you with practical strategies to manage your ADHD.
ADHD Medication and Stigma
Everyone has the right to explore ADHD medication on their own terms.
It doesn’t work for everyone – but many people find it to be an effective way to relieve the behavioural symptoms of ADHD and to tackle the challenges that come with the condition.
It’s not inherently right or wrong to choose medication as a treatment for ADHD. There is a diversity of experience, with many people succeeding both with and without medication. Indeed, as with many things ADHD, the most common experience is a non-linear path where people change their relationship to medication throughout their life.
Today, greater awareness of ADHD has helped to make open conversations about medication far easier. Of course, if you prefer not to tell people you’re taking medication for ADHD – other than when asked for legal health and safety purposes – that’s okay, too.
The stigma around ADHD medication hasn’t disappeared, but thanks to better awareness and open conversation, it’s slowly being replaced with understanding.
Neurodiversity and Co-morbidities
It’s common for people with ADHD to experience symptoms of other neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum condition (ASC), Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), dyslexia and dyspraxia. This is known as coexistence, co-occurrence, or co-morbidities.
It’s also common for ADHD to co-exist alongside mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and problems with sleep.
Both coexisting neurodivergence and/or mental health conditions may need to be treated alongside ADHD symptoms, which can make the titration process for ADHD more complex.
What's next?
You don’t have to choose medication to treat your ADHD. For more information on alternative approaches – including talking therapy and CBT, lifestyle changes and coping strategies: