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Are There Effective Adderall Alternatives For ADHD Treatment?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Po-Chang HsuNovember 18, 2024
Written by
On November 18, 2024

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • ADHD is widely accepted as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, and over 8 million U.S. adults live with ADHD.
  • Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high likelihood of dependence and potential for misuse.
  • Side effects of Adderall include bladder pain, blood in the urine, cloudy urine, painful urination, rapid pulse, frequent urination, side or lower back pain, dry mouth, stomach pain, anxiety, loss of strength, and weight loss.
  • There are several types of Adderall alternatives, including non-stimulant medications, natural supplements, and lifestyle interventions.
  • Before changing or adding to your medication or supplement regimen, always seek medical advice to ensure maximum safety.

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance that can increase the likelihood of dependence and misuse.[1] There are several effective Adderall alternatives and some natural options for addressing the symptoms of ADHD that may work for you. Consult your primary physician before changing your medication or supplement regimen.

Why Consider Adderall Alternatives?

Adderall has been the common industry standard medication for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy. The main components of Adderall are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.[2]  

These medications interact with brain chemistry and the nervous system to regulate hyperactive behavior and increase cognitive function and focus by producing more neurotransmitter dopamine. However, this chemical interaction can be habit-forming.

The effects of CNS stimulants like Adderall increase the likelihood of misuse and dependence and can contribute to substance abuse. This harsh reality makes Adderall a less-than-ideal solution for some patients, especially those already suffering from or more at risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD). 

Adderall Side Effects

The prescription stimulant can increase focus and regulate hyperactivity, but it is also associated with adverse side effects, including: [3]

  • Bladder pain
  • Blood in the urine
  • Cloudy urine
  • Painful urination
  • Rapid pulse
  • Frequent urination
  • Side or lower back pain

 

Physical side effects are not the only adverse response to Adderall. Other common effects of this ADHD medication include dry mouth, stomach pain, anxiety, loss of strength, and weight loss. [4]

ADHD Facts

ADHD is widely accepted as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and is most often diagnosed in childhood but can also present into adulthood. [5] It is estimated that over 8 million U.S. adults live with ADHD and that this results in a productivity loss of approximately 28 billion dollars.[6] 

Common ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Every person’s experience with a neurodevelopmental disorder will be unique, but the following are common signs and ADHD symptoms in adults:[7]

  • Impulsivity
  • Disorganized
  • Difficulty prioritizing
  • Poor time management
  • Difficulty focusing on a task
  • Inability to multitask
  • Restlessness
  • Poor planning skills
  • Frustration intolerance
  • Mood swings or hot-tempered
  • Difficulty completing tasks
  • Ineffective at coping with stress

Potential Adderall Alternatives

Before taking or adding anything to your medication or supplement regimen, always consult a physician for sound medical advice and to ensure maximum safety.  

Non-Stimulant Prescription Medications

There are prescription alternatives to Adderall that do not contain amphetamines or other stimulants. These are considered a second-line intervention (after stimulant-based medications) but still show similar results. 

In one study of patients who received non-stimulant ADHD prescriptions, 91% showed an improvement in ADHD symptoms.[8] Drugs that fall into this category are classified as one of the following types of substances:[9]

  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Non-tricyclic antidepressants
  • Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
  • Alpha-2 noradrenergic agonists
  • Non-schedule stimulants
  • Others 

 

Examples of non-stimulant medications that may be used for treating ADHD include the following brand names and their active ingredient: 

  • Strattera (atomoxetine)
  • Tenex (guanfacine)
  • Kapvay (clonidine)
  • Wellbutrin (bupropion)
  • Effexor (Venlafaxine)
  • Provigil (Modafinil)
  • Qelbree (Viloxazine)

 

Healthcare providers will consider your medical and mental health history before prescribing or changing your prescription to treat ADHD. 

What about Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Concerta?

These drugs are also CNS stimulant medications containing lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate. They may be effective at treating ADHD like Adderall but will carry similar habit-forming risks, the potential for misuse, and dependence. 

These medications may not be suitable for someone struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and may require co-occurring disorder treatment to address symptoms, behavior, and mental health holistically.

Natural Adderall Alternatives

Natural alternatives to Adderall may be a good fit for those who would prefer to avoid any prescription or mediation-based interventions for ADHD. Natural supplements, botanical agents, adaptogens, and nootropics may offer more control over your treatment journey and allow you to test your response and make adjustments personally. 

However, if regulated at all, they may also have lower confidence or safety ratings from the FDA. Seek medical advice before trying anything untested or not approved by the FDA. 

Treatments derived from natural products specifically targeted to treat ADHD have been explored to determine the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential for improving symptoms, either on their own or in combination with first or second-line interventions. Some of the interventions explored as natural Adderall alternatives include:[10]

  • Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Ginseng (Korean red ginseng)
  • Ningdong
  • Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)
  • Pycnogenol® (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract)
  • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
  • Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
  • Acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC)
  • Essential Fatty Acids like Omega-3, Omega-6, EPA, DHA, γ-linolenic acid, vitamin E, cis-linoleic acid, AA, and thyme oil)
  • Iron (ferrous sulfate)
  • Vitamin B6 and Magnesium combination
  • Zinc (zinc sulfate)
  • Vitamins, including Vitamin C and Tocotrienols
  • Minerals like magnesium and calcium
  • Amino Acids like glycine, L-theanine, L-tyrosine, Taurine, GABA, 5-HTP, and SAMe
  • Essential fatty acids

 

The overall conclusion of one particular study found that treatment outcomes were mixed but promising, especially regarding combinations of natural interventions and traditional ADHD medications. [11]

Lifestyle Interventions For Treating ADHD

Daily changes in your routine may also positively impact ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. From exercise and healthy eating to meditation and consistent sleep schedules, these interventions offer benefits to well-being that cover and exceed managing daily ADHD symptoms.[12]

Get Help For Co-Occurring Disorders Like ADHD and Substance Abuse

If you’re struggling with uncontrolled stimulant use but still need to address your ADHD symptoms, there is help and hope available. Pursue safety in wellness and reach out for support. Let’s restore the balance in your brain and your life.

Medical Content Writer

Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Among the first-line treatments for ADHD, commonly prescribed stimulant medications include Adderall, Vyvanse, and either Concerta or Ritalin (noting that Dexedrine is another stimulant but typically not grouped with the top most commonly prescribed options).

Nootropics are brain supplements and cognitive enhancers (also known as “smart drugs”) that are natural, non-prescription supplements that can be purchased over the counter. Some examples include caffeine, ashwagandha, ginkgo biloba, and theanine.

In some cases, yes, and with strong outcomes. Consult your physician to create a custom treatment plan and supplement schedule that works best for you.

If you’re no longer taking Adderall, you may consider some of the mentioned natural supplements and lifestyle interventions to increase your focus and alleviate ADHD symptoms. Other helpful skills include meditation, physical exercise, reducing distractions, and continually practicing how to focus.

The primary difference between Vyvanse and Adderall is the active ingredients. Adderall is a combination of amphetamines, whereas Vyvanse contains only one (lisdexamfetamine). These two medications similarly interact with the brain and have similar side effects.

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[1]Drug scheduling. DEA. (n.d.-a). https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

[2]Adderall. Drugs.com. (n.d.-b). https://www.drugs.com/search.php?searchterm=adderall

[3][4]Adderall. Drugs.com. (n.d.-b). https://www.drugs.com/search.php?searchterm=adderall

[5]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 27). What is ADHD?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/about/?CDC_AA

[6]Economic burden of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among … (n.d.-a). https://www.jmcp.org/doi/full/10.18553/jmcp.2021.21290

[7]Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, January 25). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878

[8][9]Budur, K., Mathews, M., Adetunji, B., Mathews, M., & Mahmud, J. (2005, July). Non-stimulant treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3000197/

[10][11]Ahn, J., Ahn, H. S., Cheong, J. H., & Dela Peña, I. (2016). Natural product-derived treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of combination therapy. Neural plasticity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4757677/

[12]Preiato, D. (2021, October 19). ADHD and exercise: What you need to know. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/adhd-and-exercise

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