ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and adults. It is a lifetime condition but can be successfully managed through a combination of therapy, psychoeducation, coping skills, and medication.
This article will go over the types of ADHD medications and how to get prescribed medication for ADHD.
Did you know Lifebulb offers online psychiatry and medication management? Contact our team to check for availability in your state! A psychiatrist can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
Types of ADHD Medications
There are two types of medications for ADHD: stimulant and non-stimulant. Antidepressants also help some people with their ADHD symptoms, especially those with comorbid depression and ADHD. People’s brains and bodies will react differently to different medications, so it can take some trial and error to find the right type of medication for you. In general, there is no “best” ADHD medications for women and girls vs men and boys. Even though ADHD in women will present differently than ADHD in men, they are treated the same. Also, ADHD medication has been proven to be effective at treating ADHD in both children and adults, even though ADHD in adults tends to look different than it does in kids.
Always take medication under the supervision of a psychiatrist or medical doctor.
Stimulants
The most commonly known and prescribed type of ADHD medication is stimulants. Stimulants work to increase dopamine and norepinephrine, which are brain chemicals that regulate mood, energy, and focus.
Stimulants are highly effective, helping around 80% of children with ADHD manage their symptoms. But because they are a controlled substance, you need a prescription and close medication management to get and refill stimulant medication.
There are two types of ADHD stimulants:
- Immediate Release: These are short-acting stimulants that are taken as needed. They usually last up to four hours. They work quickly and strongly but can have an unpleasant energy “crash” after they are done releasing.
- Extended Release: To avoid the emotion and energy crash of immediate release, some people prefer extended release, a long-acting stimulant that usually lasts 6-8 hours, although some can last up to 16 hours. This medication is usually taken once every morning.
Some people find it helpful to use a combination of both extended and immediate release to get a full day's worth of ADHD medication. It’s important to only do so under the direction of a psychiatrist or doctor.
Common types of stimulants include:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Vyanese
- Methylin
- Evekeo
- Zenzedi
- Concerta
And more. This is not a complete list. Talk to a psychiatrist about which stimulant medication would be best for you.
Non-Stimulant
Non-stimulants are a good option for people who cannot take stimulants, like those who take contradictory medicine or who have a heart condition or anxiety when they take stimulants. Non-stimulant medication is also a good option for those who have comorbid anxiety and ADHD.
Non-stimulant medication includes:
- Strattera
- Qelbree
- Kapvay
- Intuniv
Non-stimulant medication works to increase norepinephrine in your brain. Unlike stimulant medication, they can take a few weeks to start working, but all of them last a full day.
Who Can Prescribe Adderall and Other Types of ADHD Medication?
ADHD medications must be prescribed, which means you can’t walk into a drug store to buy it. Instead, it must be prescribed to you by a medication professional, usually after an ADHD evaluation. This is because ADHD medications can be addicting (especially stimulants) and have negative side effects, which should be monitored by a medical professional. They also can react negatively to other medications, so make sure to tell your doctor all other vitamins and medications you take.
Professionals who can diagnose ADHD and prescribe ADHd medication include:
- A medical doctor, like your primary care provider or family doctor
- A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who studied mental health
A therapist cannot prescribe medication, but they can diagnose you with ADHD and refer you to a psychiatrist.
How to get prescribed ADHD medication
If you think you have ADHD or have already been diagnosed and want to pursue medication, here are the necessary steps:
- Diagnosis: Most doctors and psychiatrists require an ADHD diagnosis to be made. As of 2024, there is still a shortage of ADHD medication, and doctors want to make sure it gets into the right hands. An official diagnosis and a letter of recommendation for medication can be helpful when you go to a psychiatrist or medical doctor. Therapists can diagnose ADHD, and most insurance will cover mental health therapy, making it an affordable option. When you’re scheduling with a therapist, make sure you ask if they can complete an ADHD diagnosis.
- Treatment: ADHD is a complex disorder and may require more than just medication. A psychiatrist will likely make a treatment plan with you, meaning they will come up with a cohesive plan that may include medication, therapy, and coping skills. Not everyone who is on ADHD medication is also attending therapy, but many do until they learn the necessary coping skills to manage their ADHD. Remember that ADHD medication is not a cure, and you will likely still experience some symptoms.
- Medication management: You will need to periodically see a psychiatrist or doctor to get refills for your medications. This is to make sure you are not experiencing any harmful side effects, the medication is still working, and you are not mixing potentially harmful medications. After you and your doctor find the right medication and dosage, these periodical visits will likely be once every six months.
Getting medication for ADHD is a great first step in managing symptoms. Plenty of people, both children and adults, speak for ADHD medications' help in their lives.
ADHD medication is not a cure, however, and you may still experience disruptive symptoms. Lifestyle changes, social support, and coping skills are crucial to learning to thrive with ADHD.
To schedule with Lifebulb’s psychiatrist or one of our therapists, contact our team. Our Psychiatrist can prescribe and manage medication, and our therapists can diagnose and treat mental health disorders through virtual talk therapy.
Contact our team or browse our list of therapists near you.