Adderall® Alternatives: Guide to Adult ADHD Meds

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Adderall®, a popular stimulant medication prescribed for ADHD, is experiencing shortages across the country. One leading producer, Teva, has been dealing with intermittent manufacturing issues that have put a strain on the supply.1

Have you had challenges getting stimulant medications? Are you curious about alternative options to treat your adult ADHD? Maybe you would like to avoid the side effects of Adderall or other stimulants. Non-stimulant ADHD medications could be a good fit for you.

Types of Adult ADHD Medications

Medication options for adult ADHD can mostly be classified into two groups: stimulant and non-stimulant. Both have their advantages and side effects, so it is important to discuss with your medical provider what options are best for your treatment.

ADHD Stimulant vs. Non Stimulant Medication Comparison Graphic

Stimulant ADHD Medications

Stimulant medications can help people focus their attention, a common challenge for adults and children with ADHD. This class of medications increases levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is connected to attention, movement, and pleasure in the body.2

Stimulant medications have been shown to improve ADHD symptoms like short attention span, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity in about 70% of adults.3 There are many stimulant alternatives to consider if you can’t or don’t want to take Adderall.

Common Alternative Stimulant Medications

Stimulant medications for ADHD fall into two categories: amphetamines and methylphenidates. Within those two types are short-acting and long-acting versions, depending on your needs.4 Adderall is an amphetamine medication.

Common alternative amphetamine medications:5

Amphetamine sulfate (Evekeo®)

Dextroamphetamine (Zenzedi®, Dexedrine®)

Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®)

Amphetamine (Adenyz®, Dynavel XR®)

Methamphetamine (Desoxyn®)

Common methylphenidate medications:

Methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Concerta®, Quillivant XR®)

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin®)

Side Effects of Stimulant ADHD Medications

Stimulant medications have some side effects to consider including:6

Headache

Nausea or upset stomach

Raised blood pressure

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Nervousness

Insomnia

Tics

There is also a risk of dependence with stimulant medications if you have a history of substance abuse in the past. Talk to your medical provider if dependence or abuse is a concern for you before taking stimulant medication for ADHD.7

Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have shown promise in treating ADHD symptoms. Non-stimulant medications do not have the same side effects as stimulants and they do not have as much risk of abuse or dependence. For some ADHD patients, stimulants are not effective. In these cases and more, non-stimulant ADHD medications can be a preferred alternative.

Most of the non-stimulant ADHD medications work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin that help calm the brain.8

Approximately 50% to 60% of users find relief from ADHD symptoms with a non-stimulant option.9 You may need to work with your medical provider to try several options of ADHD treatment to see what works best for you.

Common Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

Atomoxetine (Strattera®)

Guanfacine (Intuniv®)

Clonidine (Kapvay®)

Viloxazine (Qelbree®)

Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL®)

Side effects of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

One reason you may want to try a non-stimulant medication is if you don’t like the side effects of stimulant medications. Non-stimulant medications, however, can still cause side effects including:

Headache

Dizziness

Sleepiness or fatigue

Nausea or stomach pain

Loss of appetite

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Adderall® vs. Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

If you are considering a switch from Adderall to a non-stimulant medication, here is a brief comparison of those options.

Adderall vs. Strattera® (Atomoxetine)

The main difference between these two medications is that Adderall is a stimulant and Strattera® (atomoxetine) is not. Both options are effective, but atomoxetine is less likely to cause abuse, dependence, or withdrawal issues.10

Generally, atomoxetine is better tolerated with mild side effects like drowsiness and mild appetite suppression. Adderall has more intense side effects including insomnia or sleep disruption, which is why it is prescribed to treat narcolepsy as well as ADHD.11

Both Adderall and Strattera (atomoxetine) require a prescription.

Adderall vs. Intuniv® (Guanfacine)

Both Adderall and Intuniv® (guanfacine) are medications prescribed for ADHD. Adderall is a stimulant medication and a Schedule II drug, meaning it is a controlled substance with potential for abuse or dependence. Guanfacine is not a controlled substance and carries less risk of abuse.12

Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medication originally developed for treating high blood pressure with an approved use for ADHD treatment. Because of this, users should consult their medical provider if they have heart or blood pressure conditions. The side effects for guanfacine include sedation13, while Adderall can cause restlessness and insomnia.

Adderall and Intuniv (guanfacine) both require a prescription.

Adderall vs. Clonidine® (Kapvay)

Similar to the other non-stimulant ADHD medications, Clonidine® (kapvay) does not have potential for abuse or dependence like stimulant medications including Adderall. Side effects between these two medications differ as well. Kapvay can cause drowsiness and upper abdominal pain, while Adderall can cause insomnia and weight loss.14

Adderall® and Clonidine (kapvay) both require a prescription.

Adderall vs. Qelbree®

Qelbree® (viloxazine), like the other non-stimulant medications covered, is not a controlled substance and does not carry the risk of abuse that Adderall does. Qelbree does, however, carry risk of increased suicidal thoughts or actions.15 Those with a history of suicidal thoughts, depression, or bipolar disorder may want to avoid taking Qelbree.

Both Adderall and Qelbree can cause side effects of insomnia. Alternatively, Qelbree can cause sleepiness or fatigue in some users.

Adderall® and Qelbree® both require a prescription.

Adderall® vs. Non-Stimulant Medications Comparison

Adderall vs. Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication Comparison Chart

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About the Medical Reviewer

Dr. Daniel Fick is chief medical officer for RedBox Rx’s parent company, Hy-Vee, Inc. In this role, Fick helps oversee Hy-Vee’s health and medical initiatives, including RedBox Rx, and works alongside patients, employers, benefit providers and health care professionals. Fick has been a physician for more than 30 years, and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He graduated from the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa in 1989, and completed his Family Medicine residency and Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

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Adult ADHD

Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications