ADHD medications
Compare ADHD medicines
Side-by-side comparisons of the ADHD medicines people most often ask about. Each page gives a direct answer first, then a sourced table and the questions people ask. None of them names a winner: the right medicine depends on your age, your health, what you have tried before and your daily routine.
Pages in this section
- Elvanse vs Concerta XL: what is the difference?Two long-acting stimulants with different medicines inside: duration, side effects and why the doses cannot be compared.
- Ritalin XL vs Concerta XL: why is 20 mg not the same as 18 mg?The same medicine released in different ways, and why the milligram numbers on the packs differ.
- Stimulant vs non-stimulant ADHD medication: how do prescribers choose?How quickly each group helps, the main cautions, and the usual order of treatment for adults and for children.
- Methylphenidate vs dexamfetamine: what changes?Two different stimulants: formulations, how long each dose lasts, adult licensing and when dexamfetamine is considered.
- Atomoxetine vs guanfacine: which differences matter?Two non-stimulants with different licences, side effects and stopping rules.