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So You’re Considering Medication For Your ADHD

  • apeak1
  • Aug 14
  • 2 min read


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Exploring Your Options


So, you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. Now what?


For many people, the next step is exploring medication options — and that process can feel overwhelming. There’s a wide range of treatments available, and finding the right fit isn’t always quick or straightforward. But understanding your options can make it easier to navigate the path ahead.


Let’s start with the basics: What types of ADHD medications are out there?


Stimulants: The Most Common ADHD Medication

Stimulants are the most widely known and commonly prescribed medications for managing ADHD. They’re considered a first-line treatment because they directly target the brain chemicals linked to focus and impulse control. 


How do stimulants work?

ADHD is thought to involve an imbalance of dopamine and norepinephrine in a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex — the area responsible for planning, attention, and decision-making. Stimulants increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, helping to reduce symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.


Pros of Stimulants:

  • Effective for 70–80% of people with ADHD

  • Help reduce hyperactivity, improve focus, and manage impulsivity

  • Begin working quickly

  • May not need to be taken every day


Cons of Stimulants:

  • Effects can wear off after a few hours

  • May suppress appetite

  • Can lead to irritability as medication wears off

  • Classified as controlled substances


Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

Not everyone responds well to stimulants — and that’s okay. There are non-stimulant medications that work differently and can still provide strong symptom relief, either on their own or alongside a stimulant.


Pros of Non-Stimulants:

  • Provide longer-lasting symptom coverage

  • Can be combined with a stimulant for added support

  • Not classified as controlled substances


Cons of Non-Stimulants:

  • May take longer to show results

  • Can cause drowsiness or stomach upset early on


Other Medication Options

Some ADHD symptoms — especially hyperactivity, sleep issues, and emotional regulation — can also be supported by other medications like clonidine or guanfacine. Originally developed for blood pressure management, these medications are now sometimes used in ADHD treatment.


They may be especially helpful for:

  • Evening out hyperactivity and impulsivity

  • Supporting sleep routines

  • Enhancing focus when used with other medications


These medications work by impacting brain activity in areas related to attention and self-regulation.


So … Which ADHD Medication Is Right for Me?

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for ADHD.


What works for one person may not work for another — and sometimes, it takes a little trial and error to find the right fit.


Here’s what we do know: Medication is just one part of the plan. It works best when combined with supportive strategies like:

  • Behavioral therapy

  • Organizational tools

  • Structured routines

  • Regular follow-up with your care team


Ready to Explore Your Options?

At Allied Behavioral Health Solutions (ABHS), we offer personalized ADHD care — including medication management, therapy, and lifestyle-based supports to help you feel more focused, more grounded, and more in control.


Call us at 615.292.3661 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.


Clinical Review by: Alison Peak, LCSW


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