ADHD Medications

Science-based, plain-language guides to every major ADHD medication. How they work in the brain, what clinical research shows, dose comparisons, and real-world experiences. Written with care, backed by published research.

⚕️ This is not medical adviceThese articles are for educational and informational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change medication without consulting your prescribing physician. UpOrbit has no pharmaceutical relationships. No affiliate links on any medication page.

Stimulant Medications

AmphetamineAdderall (Amphetamine Mixed Salts)Mechanism, dose-by-dose tables (IR + XR), Vyvanse equivalence chart, interactions, supplements, and FAQs.15 min · 9 refs · 3 dose tables Prodrug AmphetamineVyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)Prodrug mechanism, dose-by-dose guide with d-amphetamine conversion, time-loss paradox, clinical evidence.14 min · 5 refs · Dose table MethylphenidateRitalin & Concerta (Methylphenidate)Reuptake inhibition vs. release, OROS pump system, Focalin, all formulations, and 70 years of data.14 min · 5 refs

Non-Stimulant Medications

NRIStrattera (Atomoxetine)First non-stimulant ADHD med. Timeline to effect, anxiety comorbidity advantage, and when it's the right choice.12 min · 5 refs OverviewNon-Stimulant ADHD MedicationsStrattera, Intuniv, Qelbree, Wellbutrin — when and why prescribers choose non-stimulant options.8 min

Comparisons

Head to HeadAdderall vs VyvanseSame family, different delivery. Full comparison table, dose equivalence, and when doctors choose one over the other.12 min · Table FormulationAdderall XR vs IRBead system, absorption curves, crash differences, and practical tradeoffs for daily life.10 min Head to HeadRitalin vs AdderallMethylphenidate vs amphetamine: different mechanisms, comparison table, and who responds to which.11 min · Table Class ComparisonStimulant vs Non-StimulantComparison table, effectiveness data, when each is appropriate, and combination therapy options.10 min · Table

Real-World Questions

The questions people actually search for, answered with science.

ExperienceWhy Do I Lose Track of Time on Vyvanse?The neuroscience of medication-enhanced hyperfocus and what to do about it.8 min ExperienceWhat Happens When ADHD Meds Wear OffThe "crash" explained: pharmacology, emotional rebound, and evidence-based strategies.9 min InteractionsCan You Drink Coffee With ADHD Medication?Caffeine + stimulants: what the research says about combining them.7 min ComorbidityADHD and Anxiety Together25-50% of adults have both. Treatment approaches and medication options.9 min PracticalADHD Medication and FoodHow food affects absorption and appetite. What to eat and when.7 min Long-termWhy ADHD Medication Stops WorkingTolerance vs. other explanations, and what to discuss with your prescriber.7 min InteractionsADHD, Cannabis, and MedicationWhat limited research exists about cannabis use with ADHD treatment.7 min InteractionsADHD, Alcohol, and MedicationHow alcohol interacts with stimulant medications and ADHD itself.7 min

Supplements With Research

Not replacements for medication. Supplements with at least some clinical evidence in ADHD populations.

MineralMagnesium and ADHDGlycinate, threonate, and other forms. Deficiency research and supplementation evidence.7 min Fatty AcidOmega-3 and ADHDEPA specifically. What the meta-analyses say.7 min VitaminVitamin D and ADHDLower levels in ADHD populations. Supplementation results.6 min OverviewADHD Supplements: The EvidenceComplete review: what works, what doesn't, what's unclear.10 min

Getting Diagnosed

The process, costs, and what to expect.

DiagnosisHow ADHD Is Actually DiagnosedFull process: who can diagnose, DSM-5-TR criteria, types of assessments, and what to bring.14 min · 4 refs DiagnosisHow Much Does Diagnosis Cost?Realistic breakdown by provider type, insurance, and how to reduce costs.8 min · Cost table DiagnosisADHD Diagnosis in AdultsWhy adult ADHD gets missed, especially in women and high-achievers.8 min Interactive ToolUpOrbit Diagnosis GuideStep-by-step guide to getting an ADHD diagnosis. What to expect, who to see, and how to prepare.Free · 10 min

All medication content is researched from published, peer-reviewed sources including The Lancet Psychiatry, JAMA, Biological Psychiatry, and Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. References linked to PubMed.

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