Adderall Alternatives - What Are Your Options?

Adderall may not be right for everyone (see our pregnancy page, for example). Luckily, there are alternative medications and treatments available if you and your doctor decide that Adderall is not the best medication for your specific needs.

Alternative Medications

Alternative medications to treat conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) include but are not limited to:

A different stimulant, such as Dexmethylphenidate, Dextroamphetamine, Methylphenidate, or Lisdexamfetamine
Clonidine, which treats high blood pressure, a symptom often present in people with ADHD
A cognition-enhancing medication, such as Atomoxetine or Guanfacine

Please note: these are just a few of the possible alternatives to Adderall. Always talk to your doctor about which medication is best for you, as every medication will affect everyone differently.

Other Treatments

Depending on the condition your doctor is treating, you may want to ask about non-medication treatment options. In some cases, such options may be coupled with medication to create a more well-rounded approach in treatment.

Therapy

Various types of therapy and counseling can treat conditions that Adderall treats, specifically ADHD and narcolepsy. Because there are so many different types of therapy, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your options when it comes time for a referral to a mental health professional. Some of the most common therapeutic approaches include but are not limited to:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): a type of therapy in which a mental health professional works with the client to improve unhealthy thought and behavior patterns.
Group therapy: a type of therapy in which a group of people with similar problems meet on a regular schedule to openly discuss their experiences. Group therapy is often led by one or more therapists, depending on the size of the group.
Family therapy: a type of therapy that engages the client as well as their family. Family therapy can be beneficial for conflict management and communication improvement.
Anger management: a type of counseling that focuses on the client’s difficulty with managing their anger. In severe cases, the inability to manage anger can result in outbursts. Anger management counseling offers clients with tools, such as mindfulness and trigger control, to reduce and manage anger safely.

Final Thoughts

There are so many options available when it comes to the best treatment for your specific health needs. If Adderall does not work for you, or if you have experienced severe side effects or little to no change during treatment with it, talk to your doctor. Together, the two of you can collaborate to construct a better plan for improving your health, whether it involves a different medication, a non-medication treatment, both, or neither.

Disclaimer:Â this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit ourÂ Terms of Use page.