Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can make it difficult to focus, manage impulses, and keep up with daily responsibilities. While therapy and behavioral strategies are key, for many, medication plays a major role in symptom management. However, some ADHD prescriptions, especially stimulant medications, carry a high potential for misuse and addiction.
This ADHD medication list includes the most common stimulant, non-stimulant, and off-label ADHD medications, with identifiers to help you recognize them and information about potential risks. At Phoenix Rising Recovery, we help individuals understand their prescriptions and recover from dependency when medication use becomes harmful. This list can also serve as a baseline if you have found suspicious pills that you cannot identify, and would like to know what they are, how they work and if you should be concerned.
ADHD Medication Lists
List of Stimulant ADHD Medication Names
Stimulants are the first-line treatment for ADHD, increasing dopamine and norepinephrine to improve focus and attention.
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Type | Common Forms | Typical Use |
| Adderall | Mixed amphetamine salts | Amphetamine stimulant | Tablet, capsule | ADHD, narcolepsy |
| Adderall XR | Mixed amphetamine salts | Amphetamine stimulant | Extended-release capsule | ADHD |
| Vyvanse | Lisdexamfetamine | Amphetamine stimulant | Capsule, chewable | ADHD, binge eating disorder |
| Evekeo | Amphetamine sulfate | Amphetamine stimulant | Tablet | ADHD, narcolepsy |
| Dyanavel XR | Amphetamine | Amphetamine stimulant | Liquid suspension | ADHD |
| Adzenys XR-ODT | Amphetamine | Amphetamine stimulant | Orally disintegrating tablet | ADHD |
| Ritalin | Methylphenidate | Methylphenidate stimulant | Tablet, chewable | ADHD, narcolepsy |
| Ritalin LA | Methylphenidate | Methylphenidate stimulant | Extended-release capsule | ADHD |
| Concerta | Methylphenidate | Methylphenidate stimulant | Extended-release tablet | ADHD |
| Daytrana | Methylphenidate | Methylphenidate stimulant | Transdermal patch | ADHD |
| Metadate CD / ER | Methylphenidate | Methylphenidate stimulant | Capsule, tablet | ADHD |
| Quillivant XR | Methylphenidate | Methylphenidate stimulant | Liquid suspension | ADHD |
| Quillichew ER | Methylphenidate | Methylphenidate stimulant | Chewable tablet | ADHD |
| Focalin / XR | Dexmethylphenidate | Methylphenidate stimulant | Tablet, capsule | ADHD |
List of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication Names
Non-stimulants are used when stimulants are not well tolerated, when health conditions prevent stimulant use, or when misuse risk is high.
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Type | Common Forms | Typical Use |
| Strattera | Atomoxetine | Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor | Capsule | ADHD |
| Qelbree | Viloxazine hydrochloride | Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor | Capsule | ADHD |
| Kapvay | Clonidine ER | Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist | Extended-release tablet | ADHD, hypertension |
| Intuniv | Guanfacine ER | Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist | Extended-release tablet | ADHD, hypertension |
List of Off-Label ADHD Medication Names
Some medications are not FDA-approved for ADHD but may be prescribed in certain cases.
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Type | Common Forms | Typical Use |
| Wellbutrin | Bupropion | Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor | Tablet | depression, off-label ADHD |
| Provigil | Modafinil | Wakefulness-promoting agent | Tablet | Narcolepsy, off-label ADHD |
| Various | Desipramine, nortriptyline | Tricyclic antidepressant | Tablet, capsule | Depression, off-label ADHD |
Identifying ADHD Medications
If you find a pill and suspect it might be ADHD medication:
- Check the imprint: Every legal prescription pill in the U.S. has a unique code.
- Note the color and shape: ADHD medications come in tablets, capsules, chewables, liquids, or patches—often with distinctive colors.
- Look at the packaging: They usually come in labeled prescription bottles, blister packs, or child-proof containers, or refer to the markings and colors with the table below.
- Contact a licensed pharmacist: The best way to be sure of what a pill you find is to consult with professionals. If you need assistance with misuse, our admissions team is here to help.
ADHD Medication Identification List
| Generic Name | Brand Name(s) | Common Identifiers |
| Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine | Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis | Often orange, pink, or blue tablets/capsules; imprints like “AD” or dose number; oval or capsule shape |
| Lisdexamfetamine | Vyvanse | White, orange, or blue capsules; imprints with “S489” and dose; also chewable tablets with marked numbers |
| Methylphenidate | Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Quillivant XR, Quillichew ER | Tablets often yellow, white, or green; imprints vary by brand (e.g., “C” + dose for Concerta); patches (Daytrana) are beige square |
| Dexmethylphenidate | Focalin, Focalin XR | Small round or oval tablets; XR capsules often blue/white or green/white with imprint codes |
| Atomoxetine | Strattera | Capsules are often yellow or brown/turquoise; imprints “Lilly” + dose |
| Viloxazine | Qelbree | Capsules are white or light-colored; imprint with dose strength |
| Clonidine ER | Kapvay | Small white extended-release tablets; imprint “KAPVAY” or dose |
| Guanfacine ER | Intuniv | Green, white, or light blue tablets; imprint with “503” or “INTUNIV” |
| Bupropion | Wellbutrin | Tablets often yellow, pink, or purple; imprint with “WELLBUTRIN” or manufacturer code |
| Modafinil | Provigil | White or off-white tablets; imprint with “PROVIGIL” or dose |
| Desipramine / Nortriptyline | Various generics | Small round tablets, color varies; imprint with manufacturer and dose |
Risks of ADHD Medication Misuse
Stimulant ADHD medications are Schedule II controlled substances with high misuse potential. Misuse can involve:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Using without a prescription
- Altering the drug for faster effects (e.g., crushing/snorting)
Potential health risks include:
- Irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure
- Anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks
- Severe insomnia, appetite suppression
- Substance use disorder and withdrawal symptoms
Phoenix Rising Recovery Can Help with ADHD Medication Dependence & Addiction
If ADHD medications have become a source of dependency, Phoenix Rising Recovery provides compassionate, evidence-based care, including:
- Medical detox for stimulant withdrawal
- Residential treatment with 24/7 support
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to assist with withdrawal symptom management
- PHP and IOP options
- Therapies like CBT, DBT, trauma treatment,12-Step, and SMART Recovery
Call Phoenix Rising Recovery today to learn how we can help you or your loved one with dependency or addiction to ADHD medications & other drugs.
FAQ’s
What’s the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication?
Adderall and Ritalin are among the most commonly prescribed ADHD stimulants in the U.S.
Are non-stimulants safer than stimulants?
They generally have lower misuse potential but may be less effective for some individuals.
Can ADHD medications cause addiction?
Yes. Stimulant ADHD medications are addictive when misused.
How can I tell if my child’s ADHD medication is being misused?
Watch for signs like finishing prescriptions early, mood swings, secrecy, or physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat.
Sources
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023, April 19). Prescription stimulants drug facts. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
- Nanda, A., Janga, L. S. N., Sambe, H. G., Yasir, M., Man, R. K., Gogikar, A., & Mohammed, L. (2023). Adverse effects of stimulant interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A comprehensive systematic review. Cureus, 15(9), e45995. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10601982/
- Long-Term Risks of ADHD Medications. (2025, April 2). WebMD. Retrieved fromhttps://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/long-term-risks-adhd-medications
Related Posts
