Question 1

What medications are available for ADHD and when do I use each class?

Accepted Answer

ADHD medications fall into three tiers: first-line stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamine, NNT 2-3, ~70-80% response rate), second-line non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine XR, clonidine XR, viloxazine XR — slower onset, lower effect sizes, but zero abuse potential), and third-line/off-label agents (bupropion, TCAs — specialist supervision only). The choice between stimulant classes is empirical; if the first class fails, switching to the other yields a cumulative 87-91% response rate.

Question 2

What are the options for ADHD medication?

Accepted Answer

ADHD medications fall into three tiers: first-line stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamine, NNT 2-3, ~70-80% response rate), second-line non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine XR, clonidine XR, viloxazine XR — slower onset, lower effect sizes, but zero abuse potential), and third-line/off-label agents (bupropion, TCAs — specialist supervision only). The choice between stimulant classes is empirical; if the first class fails, switching to the other yields a cumulative 87-91% response rate.

Question 3

What is first-line medication for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

ADHD medications fall into three tiers: first-line stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamine, NNT 2-3, ~70-80% response rate), second-line non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine XR, clonidine XR, viloxazine XR — slower onset, lower effect sizes, but zero abuse potential), and third-line/off-label agents (bupropion, TCAs — specialist supervision only). The choice between stimulant classes is empirical; if the first class fails, switching to the other yields a cumulative 87-91% response rate.

Question 4

When do I use a non-stimulant instead of a stimulant?

Accepted Answer

ADHD medications fall into three tiers: first-line stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamine, NNT 2-3, ~70-80% response rate), second-line non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine XR, clonidine XR, viloxazine XR — slower onset, lower effect sizes, but zero abuse potential), and third-line/off-label agents (bupropion, TCAs — specialist supervision only). The choice between stimulant classes is empirical; if the first class fails, switching to the other yields a cumulative 87-91% response rate.

Question 5

What's the difference between stimulants and non-stimulants?

Accepted Answer

ADHD medications fall into three tiers: first-line stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamine, NNT 2-3, ~70-80% response rate), second-line non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine XR, clonidine XR, viloxazine XR — slower onset, lower effect sizes, but zero abuse potential), and third-line/off-label agents (bupropion, TCAs — specialist supervision only). The choice between stimulant classes is empirical; if the first class fails, switching to the other yields a cumulative 87-91% response rate.

Question 6

What are the ADHD medication classes?

Accepted Answer

ADHD medications fall into three tiers: first-line stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamine, NNT 2-3, ~70-80% response rate), second-line non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine XR, clonidine XR, viloxazine XR — slower onset, lower effect sizes, but zero abuse potential), and third-line/off-label agents (bupropion, TCAs — specialist supervision only). The choice between stimulant classes is empirical; if the first class fails, switching to the other yields a cumulative 87-91% response rate.

PsychHQ

What Medications Are Available for ADHD and When Do I Use Each?