Generic Medications Used to Treat ADHD

Most commonly, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed in children and this condition often persists through adolescence and later adulthood. The medications that are most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are stimulants, though non-stimulants are available as well. While many are brand-name drugs, lower-cost generic alternatives may be more affordable—if they're not already required by your insurance provider.

Common Medications

Children with ADHD fall into three categories: primarily hyperactive-impulsive, primarily inattentive, or a combination of the two. Although some people with ADHD "outgrow" the disease, it's estimated that as many as 80 percent of people carry the condition through adulthood. Adults with ADHD are by and large not hyperactive and instead inattentive.

Medications are a big part of treatment for both adults and children. The stimulants your doctor may prescribe include:

• Adderall and Adderall XR (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)
• Concerta (methylphenidate)
• Daytrana (methylphenidate)
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
• Focalin and Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)
• Metadate CD and Metadate ER (methylphenidate)
• Methylin and Methylin ER (methylphenidate)
• Ritalin, Ritalin LA and Ritalin SR (methylphenidate)
• Quillivant XR (methylphenidate)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

The following nonstimulant medications may also be prescribed for ADHD treatment when an individual does not respond well to stimulants:

• Intuniv (guanfacine)
• Kapvay (clonidine)
• Strattera (atomoxetine)

Of note, the XR, ER, and LA designations indicate extended-release preparations. Furthermore, Ritalin SR is a controlled release form of Ritalin.

Cost Differences

Brand-name drugs are typically expensive. Generic medications are often low-cost alternatives that, for most people, work just as well as brand-name drugs. For example, a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality compares a 10 mg tablet of Adderall with the generic equivalent at a cost difference of $113 per month to $45 per month. 

Of course, these costs can vary over time and be dependent on your pharmacy and insurance coverage. And some insurance companies only authorize brand-name drugs or vice versa. This single comparison does not reflect the potential savings for every generic medication, either. In many instances, though, switching to such generic medications can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on ADHD treatment each year.

Effectiveness

Some people are concerned about the effectiveness of generic medications versus brand-name options. Each generic medication goes through the same level of scrutiny and approval process by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA states that "a generic medicine works in the same way and provides the same clinical benefit as its brand-name version." In order to be approved for use, it has to have the same safety, strength, quality, performance, and intended use.

The FDA withdrew approval of two generic versions of Concerta, (methylphenidate hydrochloride) extended-release (ER) capsules, as they failed to demonstrate the same therapeutic effect as the brand-name drug.

Just as switching from any medication to another, some people will not have the same reaction to a generic drug as they would to the brand-name equivalent (and vice versa). Whenever you and your doctor decide to change to a different medication, it's important that you monitor yourself or your child for any changes.

Payment Support

If you're having trouble paying for ADHD medications, inform the prescribing physician and ask about generic alternatives. The physician can offer you options and alternatives that may lower the cost of ADHD medications.

For example, many large pharmacy retailers offer a value formulary which can be prescribed for less cost. Moreover, patient assistance programs are also available in many communities and can subsidize the cost of treatment.

A Word From Verywell

Treating ADHD with medications often requires patience and open conversations with your doctor. If you have concerns over the cost of medications, bring these up during your appointments, along with any questions you have about side effects. By working together, you can find a treatment that will help.