Compare
ADHD medication types compared
The main ADHD medication types used in UK adults fall into two groups: stimulants such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, and a non-stimulant, atomoxetine. NICE guideline NG87 describes more than one option because people respond differently. This is a factual overview, not advice on what to take, and only a qualified clinician can diagnose ADHD and decide whether medication is suitable.
Information only, not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page does not recommend any medication, dose or treatment. Whether medication is appropriate, and which one, is a decision for your clinician based on NICE guidance and your individual situation.
The main ADHD medication types at a glance
| Medicine | Group | How NICE describes its place | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methylphenidate | Stimulant | Listed in NICE NG87 as an option for adults with ADHD | Prescription-only; clinician decides suitability and monitoring |
| Lisdexamfetamine | Stimulant | Listed in NICE NG87 as an option, including where methylphenidate has not helped enough | Prescription-only; clinician decides suitability and monitoring |
| Atomoxetine | Non-stimulant | Listed in NICE NG87 as a non-stimulant option for adults | Prescription-only; clinician decides suitability and monitoring |
This table summarises how the medicines are categorised, drawn from NICE guideline NG87 and the NHS ADHD pages. It is not a comparison of which is best and not a recommendation.
Stimulants and non-stimulants
NICE groups the medicines used in adult ADHD into stimulants and non-stimulants. Methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are stimulants; atomoxetine is a non-stimulant. NICE describes more than one option because people respond differently, and because other health conditions can affect what is suitable. The order in which options are considered, and whether medication is used at all, is a clinical decision, not something a website can set out for an individual.
Why we do not say what to take
Medication is one part of an overall approach that NICE describes for ADHD, and it sits alongside non-medication support. We deliberately do not suggest a medicine, a dose, or a treatment plan, because that is for the clinician who knows your full history. If you are exploring whether medication might help, the route is an assessment first. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose ADHD and decide whether medication is appropriate.
Related guides
To understand where medication sits among the options, see ADHD coaching vs therapy vs medication and what actually helps with ADHD. If you are not yet assessed, start with how to get an ADHD assessment, and if you take medication already, our medication shortage guide covers what to do if you cannot get a prescription filled.
Frequently asked questions
Which ADHD medication is best?
There is no single best ADHD medication. NICE guidance describes more than one option, and the right choice depends on the individual, other conditions and how someone responds. Only a qualified clinician can decide whether medication is suitable and which to try, alongside monitoring. This page is a factual overview, not advice on what to take.
Are stimulants and non-stimulants the same thing?
No. Methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are stimulant medicines, while atomoxetine is a non-stimulant. NICE describes both groups as options used in adult ADHD. They work in different ways, and a clinician weighs up which group fits a person's situation.
Can I get ADHD medication without a diagnosis?
No. ADHD medication is prescription-only and follows a formal diagnosis by a specialist clinician, as set out in NICE guidance. A diagnosis is for a registered clinician after a proper assessment; this site cannot diagnose or prescribe.
Does this page tell me what to take?
No. This is general information that summarises how the main UK ADHD medication types are categorised. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation. Your clinician decides whether medication is appropriate, which option to consider, and how it is monitored.
Editor, ADHD Helper
Oliver leads ADHD Helper's editorial coverage of adult ADHD. He researches and writes the plain-English explainers on getting an ADHD assessment through NHS Right to Choose or privately, and on the products and tools people use to manage ADHD, drawing on guidance from the NHS, NICE and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He is clear that the site is information, not medical advice, and that diagnosis is for a registered clinician.
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026