Starting ADHD Medication as an Adult

ADHD is often associated with children, but a growing number of adults are now being diagnosed. Recent CDC data shows that more than half of individuals with ADHD were diagnosed in adulthood, with women being diagnosed at higher rates than men.

If you’ve recently received a diagnosis, you may be considering medication and wondering what to expect. This guide on starting ADHD medication as an adult will explain how these medications work, how to know if they’re effective, and what benefits they may have.

Signs You Need ADHD Medication as an Adult

ADHD in adults often looks different than it does in children. While hyperactivity may decrease with age, symptoms like inattention, disorganization, and impulsive decision-making can intensify as responsibilities increase. You may need ADHD medication if these symptoms interfere with various areas of your life.

Here’s how symptoms can look:

Inattentive Symptoms	Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms
Difficulty staying focused on tasks or conversations	Feeling restless or unable to sit still
Missing details or making careless mistakes	Fidgeting, tapping hands or feet
Frequently losing or misplacing items	Talking excessively or interrupting others
Forgetting appointments or deadlines	Feeling on the go
Trouble organizing tasks and schedules	Difficulty waiting your turn
Avoiding mentally demanding activities	Acting without thinking through consequences
Not following through on instructions	Urges to move or change activities often

Adults with combined-type ADHD experience symptoms from both categories. Without treatment, these symptoms can make life difficult. Research shows untreated ADHD in adults is linked to lower occupations success, higher rates of depression and anxiety, and an increased risk of substance use or suicidal thoughts.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

Doctors will do a thorough medical evaluation, using screening tools, behavior rating scales, and interviews. Per the DSM-5, an adult must meet the following requirements:

Five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
Symptoms must be ongoing for at least six months
Symptoms must be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level
Several symptoms must have been present before age 12
Symptoms must appear in at least two or more settings (work, school)
There must be clear evidence that these symptoms interfere with daily life, including performance at work, relationships, or personal responsibilities
Symptoms can’t be better explained by another condition, such as a mood disorder, personality disorder, or psychotic disorder

What Medications Are Prescribed for Adult ADHD?

Common types are stimulants and non-stimulants – you and your doctor will do an exam to rule out other conditions and to weigh the benefits and risks of different medications based on your medical history, family history (heart problems), and symptoms

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are the first-line treatment for adult ADHD. They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are chemicals responsible for focus, motivation, and impulse control. Although they are classified as controlled substances due to the potential for misuse, they are considered safe when taken exactly as prescribed under medical supervision.

There are two types of stimulants:

Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Vyvanse
Methylphenidates, like Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin

Both types of stimulants improve communication between brain cells that are affected by ADHD by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine and increasing their availability in the brain. This helps reduce distractions and improves the ability to start and complete tasks.

Non-Stimulant Medications

Non-stimulants are a helpful alternative for those who can’t take stimulants due to medical history, side effects, or personal preference. They’re also used when stimulants aren’t effective enough on their own or worsen co-occurring conditions like anxiety or high blood pressure.

The most common non-stimulant is atomoxetine (Strattera), which has been shown to significantly reduce ADHD symptoms in adults. Other medications that may be prescribed for ADHD off-label include:

Certain antidepressants, like bupropion, viloxazine, and tricyclic antidepressants
Antihypertensive medications, such as guanfacine
Other treatments, including memantine and mood stabilizers

How Long Does ADHD Medication Take to Work?

Stimulant medications typically begin working within an hour. However, how long the effects last will depend on whether it’s short-acting or long-acting:

Medication Type	Onset of Action	How Long it Lasts	Dosing Frequency
Short-Acting	Under 1 hour	3-6 hours	2-3 times per day
Long-Acting	Under 1 hour	8-12+ hours	Once per day

Non-stimulant medications, on the other hand, don’t work right away. In fact, it can take 2 to 4 weeks of use before symptoms begin to improve. However, once the levels in your body stabilize, their effects can last up to 24 hours.

How to Tell ADHD Medication is Working

Finding the right ADHD medication and dosage often takes time. A good sign that your medication is working is when tasks start to feel more manageable and less mentally exhausting. You may notice improvements such as:

Being able to start and finish tasks you used to avoid
Staying focused longer without drifting off or losing track of time
Meeting deadlines more consistently
Feeling less scattered and more organized in your daily routine
Pausing to think before acting instead of reacting impulsively
Feeling calmer and more emotionally stable throughout the day
Better communication and fewer misunderstandings in relationships
Improved sleep quality and waking up feeling more rested

To better understand how well your medication is working is by keeping a daily journal of your mood, focus, sleep, and productivity.

When to Change Your ADHD Medication

Not every medication works the same for every person. It may be time to talk to your doctor about changing your ADHD medication if you notice any of the following:

Little to no improvement in focus, organization, or impulse control
Troublesome side effects, such as anxiety, mood changes, headaches, or appetite loss
Medication wearing off too quickly or not lasting throughout the day
New or worsening symptoms that interfere with daily life

Another reason to adjust your medication is tolerance. Over time, your body may become less responsive to the drug, causing it to lose effectiveness. Research shows that about 25% of people can develop tolerance within weeks, while a smaller percentage may develop it gradually over many years. When this happens, symptoms begin to return even when the medication is taken as directed.

If your medication is no longer helping you function at your best, it’s important to speak with your provider rather than stopping or adjusting the dose on your own.

What Are The Benefits of Taking ADHD Medication as an Adult?

ADHD medication can lead to positive improvements in one’s ability to function, their emotional health, and their long-term quality of life. Research backs this up, too. Here are some of the benefits adults taking ADHD medication have experienced:

Improved focus, concentration, and ability to complete tasks from start to finish
Increased work productivity and attendance, with studies showing up to a 20% reduced risk of work disability in adults taking atomoxetine
Reduced impulsive behaviors, with a Swedish study finding adults on ADHD medication had fewer accidents, reduced involvement in crime, and lower risk of self-harm
Better parenting interactions, including less negative talk, more patience, and improved child behavior in response to calmer and more attentive parenting
Lower risk of depression, suicidal behavior, and substance use, with research showing ADHD medication is linked to a 17% reduction in suicidal actions and 15% decrease in substance misuse
Improved emotional regulation, resulting in fewer mood swings and more stable relationships
Increased energy and motivation, especially in older adults, with 65% of adults over 55 reporting improved concentration and mood after starting medication
Improved sleep quality, with methylphenidate shown to increase sleep efficiency and improve how restorative sleep feels in adults
Restored motivation and effort tolerance, with studies showing amphetamine medications increase motivation to engage in both cognitive and physical tasks
Effective for adults with social anxiety disorder (SAD), backed by a case analysis that found extended-release methylphenidate was effective and well tolerated in adults with co-occurring ADHD and social anxiety.

Take Control of Your ADHD with Cura Behavioral Health

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can bring relief, but it also raises important questions about treatment and what to do next. Medication management is one of the ways to improve focus, motivation, and emotional stability; when guided by a knowledgeable provider, it can be built to fit your specific needs and goals.

At Cura Behavioral Health, our providers specialize in ADHD medication management for adults. We take the time to understand your symptoms, discuss and prescribe an effective medication, monitor your progress, and adjust your treatment to ensure you’re getting the most benefit.

You deserve a treatment plan that works with your life, not against it. If you’re ready to experience compassionate, person-specific care you can count on, let us help. Call us today to schedule your appointment.