Compare ADHD medications

Mixed amphetamine salts (immediate release)

Stimulant — amphetamine

• Onset 0.5–1 h
• Duration 4–6 h
• Adult 5–40 mg/day, typically split into 2–3 doses

Mixed amphetamine salts (extended release)

Stimulant — amphetamine

• Onset 0.5–1.5 h
• Duration 10–12 h
• Adult 5–40 mg once daily

Lisdexamfetamine

Stimulant — amphetamine prodrug

• Onset 1–2 h
• Duration 10–14 h
• Adult 30–70 mg once daily (start 30 mg, titrate)

Mixed amphetamine salts (triphasic ER)

Stimulant — amphetamine

• Onset 1–2 h
• Duration 14–16 h
• Adult 12.5–50 mg once daily in the morning

Methylphenidate (immediate release)

Stimulant — methylphenidate

• Onset 0.25–0.5 h
• Duration 3–4 h
• Adult 5–60 mg/day, split into 2–3 doses

Methylphenidate (OROS osmotic ER)

Stimulant — methylphenidate

• Onset 1–2 h
• Duration 10–12 h
• Adult 18–72 mg once daily in the morning

Dexmethylphenidate (extended release)

Stimulant — methylphenidate

• Onset 0.5–1.5 h
• Duration 10–12 h
• Adult 10–40 mg once daily

Methylphenidate (delayed-release/extended-release, evening dose)

Stimulant — methylphenidate

• Onset 9–11 h
• Duration 10–13 h
• Adult 20–100 mg once nightly

Atomoxetine

Non-stimulant — selective NRI

• Onset 168–672 h
• Duration 24 h
• Adult 40–100 mg/day (start 40 mg)

Viloxazine (extended release)

Non-stimulant — multimodal SNRI

• Onset 24–168 h
• Duration 24 h
• Adult 200–600 mg once daily

Guanfacine (extended release)

Non-stimulant — alpha-2A adrenergic agonist

• Onset 168–336 h
• Duration 24 h

Clonidine (extended release)

Non-stimulant — alpha-2 adrenergic agonist

• Onset 168–336 h
• Duration 12–24 h