Types of ADHD Treatment

Recent ADHD treatment research concludes that for adults, the first-line treatment should be medication. For only $79 a month, Done. supports patients with the tools needed to receive a personalized online treatment plan. Patients have monthly 15-minute follow up sessions that include supportive individual psychotherapy, a talk therapy that has shown to synergize with medication to provide an even more effective ADHD treatment. All this is done virtually.

Types of Medications

Once our ADHD clinician has recognized that treatment with medication is the best option, a choice between stimulants or non-stimulant medications must be made.

Taking patient history into account is important: when the patient has had an adverse reaction to a stimulant, or when stimulants are absolutely contraindicated, we must find another way to treat. Sometimes, a clinician might decide to prescribe non-stimulant medications instead. Non-stimulant medications use different active ingredients than stimulants but have similar effects on the symptoms of ADHD. Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications for ADHD are FDA-approved.

Depending on the state you live in, our mail-order pharmacy partners can get your treatment delivered to you. For now, treatment delivery is available in the states of Michigan, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California. ‍You can also coordinate a pharmacy pickup and pick up your treatment in your local pharmacy. There are thousands of pharmacies available that fulfill prescriptions from Done. providers. Learn more about both of these options with our pharmacy partners.

Frequently Asked Question

Can I get ADHD medication through telehealth?

You cannot get ADHD medications directly through a telehealth platform. The role of the telehealth platform is to act as a gateway to the right medical practitioners that can help perform an official diagnosis and allow for remote interactions that would otherwise not be possible or slow the entire process.

Is there a natural alternative to treating ADHD?

Some people prefer to pursue natural remedies like herbal medicines or behavioral therapy. That can include Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, high-protein, low-sugar foods. Even brain training with different cognitive exercises. Sometimes a combination of options is worth exploring and be sure to consult a medical professional and observe the results over time.

What are common ADHD medication side effects?

Some side effects can include a loss of appetite, headaches, emotional changes, or difficulty falling asleep. Side effects of nonstimulant options vary depending on the medication and the person (speak to a healthcare provider to identify any risks). They are similar to side effects from stimulant medications and can include dry mouth, low appetite, weight loss, headaches, insomnia, irritability, and dizziness.

What are ADHD treatment options?

Before determining the right ADHD treatment option, your provider will ask about your medical history and conduct a physical exam, including hearing and vision screenings. This helps to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. From there it can be about behavioral therapy or prescribed medications.

What are the different ADHD medication types?

There are two types of medications: stimulant and non-stimulant. The impact of stimulant medications is usually fast (sometimes optimally taking effect in less than an hour), safe, and usually without major complications. Researchers believe that boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine results in better connections of messaging between different parts of the brain and the body. With the exception of atomoxetine (Strattera), which will be discussed below, non-stimulant medications have generally been considered second-line medications. They have been used in people who have an incomplete response or no response to stimulants, cannot tolerate stimulants or have certain co-existing psychiatric conditions.

Remember that combining healthy behaviors like minimal screen time, regular physical activity, mindfulness practice, and healthy socialization with friends and family can also help to alleviate the effects of ADHD.

When is it not recommended to take stimulants?

It is best to consult with a medical professional to determine if there are any risks associated with stimulants based on your medical history and profile.