From the Guidelines
Alternative Medications to Adderall for ADHD Treatment Adderall can be replaced with other medications for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including Ritalin (methylphenidate) at a dose of 10-60 mg per day 1, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) at a dose of 30-70 mg per day 1, and Strattera (atomoxetine) at a dose of 40-100 mg per day 1.
- Other options include:
- Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) at a dose of 5-20 mg per day
- Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) at a dose of 18-72 mg per day, with treatment durations typically ranging from 6-12 months or longer as needed 1
- Additionally, non-stimulant medications such as:
- Intuniv (guanfacine) at a dose of 1-4 mg per day
- Kapvay (clonidine) at a dose of 0.1-0.4 mg per day may also be considered 1 These medications can be used as alternatives to Adderall, but the choice of medication and dosage should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual patient needs and medical history 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsule is a central nervous system stimulant (CNS) prescription medicine. It is used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. Amphetamines are non-catecholamine sympathomimetic amines with CNS stimulant activity. The exact mode of therapeutic action in ADHD and BED is not known.
Alternatives to Adderall for treating ADHD include:
- Dexmethylphenidate 2: a central nervous system stimulant used for the treatment of ADHD.
- Lisdexamfetamine 3: a prodrug of dextroamphetamine, used for the treatment of ADHD.
From the Research
Alternatives to Adderall for Treating ADHD
- Non-stimulant medications:
- Stimulant medications:
- OROS methylphenidate (Concerta) is a long-acting stimulant that can be used as an alternative to Adderall 4, 8
- Dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH, Focalin) is another long-acting stimulant that can be used to treat ADHD 4
- Mixed amphetamine salts extended release (MAS XR) is a long-acting stimulant that is similar to Adderall XR 4
Benefits of Alternative Medications
- Atomoxetine has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD with minimal risk of abuse or diversion 5, 7
- OROS methylphenidate has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD with a once-daily dosing regimen 8
- Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine may be a good alternative for patients who do not respond to stimulant therapy or have a comorbid condition that makes stimulant use contraindicated 4