The Ultimate Guide to ADHD Medications & Supplements: What Works, What’s New, and What to Know Before You Decide

The Ultimate Guide to ADHD Medications & Supplements: What Works, What’s New, and What to Know Before You Decide

Navigating the landscape of ADHD interventions can feel overwhelming. If you're exploring options to better manage your focus, organization, and follow-through, this guide offers a clear overview of mainstream and alternative paths. Flanagan Leadership works with ambitious, neurodivergent professionals and business owners who seek to better manage their focus, organization, and follow-through. Some individuals opt for medication, while others prefer alternative or natural options, or utilize strategies like low inflammation diets, supplements like Omega 3 fatty acids, and exercise. While this article offers no specific recommendation, it provides a consolidated overview to help inform you on possible choices. 

ADHD Medications

Let's begin by examining the pharmaceutical approaches commonly used to manage ADHD symptoms. ADHD medications fall into two main categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants

These are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, others)
    • Mechanism: Inhibits reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing availability in the synaptic cleft (similar to amphetamines but with slightly different binding dynamics).
    • Use:
      • Ritalin IR (immediate release): 5–20 mg, 2–3x/day (short-acting, ~3–4 hours)
      • Concerta (osmotic extended-release): 18–72 mg once daily (lasts ~10–12 hours)
      • Daytrana: Patch delivering 10–30 mg/day; worn for 9 hours, effects last up to 3 more
    • Evidence: Strong clinical support for adult ADHD; highly effective in ~70% of users. Slightly shorter duration than Vyvanse or Mydayis, depending on formulation. Often better tolerated by those who experience emotional volatility on amphetamines.
    • Bottom Line: Methylphenidate is a gold-standard stimulant, especially effective for people who don’t respond well to amphetamines.
  • Amphetamines (Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, Evekeo)
    • Mechanism: Increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine and inhibits their reuptake in the brain.
    • Use:
      • Adderall / Adderall XR / Mydayis: Mixed amphetamine salts (50/50 dextro/levo); IR taken 1–2x/day, XR/Mydayis once daily
      • Dexedrine: Dextroamphetamine; available in IR and Spansule (ER) forms, taken 1–2x/day
      • Evekeo: Racemic amphetamine sulfate; sometimes used at lower doses for a gentler effect
    • Evidence: Amphetamines are the most studied ADHD meds, with strong support in adults. Response rate ~70–80%. May cause appetite suppression, insomnia, or anxiety.
    • Bottom Line: Widely used and highly effective for many adults. Individual responses vary—some prefer the balanced “salt” blends (Adderall), others respond better to pure d-amphetamine (Dexedrine, Vyvanse).
  • Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR)
    • Mechanism: Refined version of methylphenidate; only the d-isomer, which is more active and potent.
    • Use:
      • IR: 2.5–10 mg 2x/day
      • XR: 5–40 mg once daily
      • Duration: 4–6 hours (IR), 8–12 hours (XR)
    • Evidence: Effective in adults, sometimes better tolerated than amphetamines. May feel “cleaner” or less emotionally reactive for some.
    • Bottom Line: A more targeted form of methylphenidate.

Non-Stimulants

These are often used when stimulants are not effective or not tolerated.

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
    • Mechanism: Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; increases norepinephrine (and indirectly dopamine) in the prefrontal cortex.
    • Use: 40–100 mg once daily (or split AM/PM if activating). Takes 2–6 weeks to show noticeable effects.
    • Evidence: Strong support from RCTs in adults. Especially effective for inattentive ADHD and co-occurring anxiety.
    • Bottom Line: Provides all-day support and is often preferred by people who want to avoid stimulant side effects.
  • Guanfacine XR (Intuniv)
    • Mechanism: Alpha-2A adrenergic agonist; improves prefrontal cortex regulation and reduces sympathetic overactivation.
    • Use: 1–4 mg once daily, usually at night. Start low and titrate slowly to minimize sedation and low blood pressure.
    • Evidence: Moderate support in adults; stronger in pediatric data. Good for emotional regulation, impulsivity, and sleep.
    • Bottom Line: Calming non-stimulant option for adults who experience irritability, overarousal, or trouble winding down.
  • Clonidine XR (Kapvay)
    • Mechanism: Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist; decreases sympathetic nervous system activity.
    • Use: 0.1–0.3 mg once daily (or split AM/PM). Must titrate up and taper off to avoid blood pressure swings.
    • Evidence: Limited adult-specific studies, but used effectively off-label. May reduce hyperactivity, agitation, and improve sleep.
    • Bottom Line: More sedating than guanfacine. Useful for managing ADHD with severe sleep disruption, anxiety, or tics.
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin – used off-label)
    • Mechanism: Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).
    • Use: 150–450 mg daily (SR or XL formulations). Take in the morning to avoid insomnia.
    • Evidence: Moderate evidence in adults, especially when depression or nicotine dependence coexists. Less effective than stimulants, but better tolerated by some.
    • Bottom Line: An off-label option with mild stimulant effects.

Alternative Options

Beyond traditional pharmaceuticals, a range of alternative strategies, including supplements and emerging treatments, can support ADHD management.

Supplements

This section includes some of the best ADHD supplements for adults, particularly those looking for natural support or medication alternatives.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)
    • Function: Anti-inflammatory; supports dopamine and serotonin signaling.
    • Dose: 1,000–2,000 mg EPA daily with fat.
    • Evidence: Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show small but meaningful improvements in ADHD symptoms, especially with high-EPA formulas taken over 3–4 months.
    • Bottom Line: Safe and well-tolerated; offers modest cognitive and mood benefits.
  • Zinc (picolinate or glycinate)
    • Function: Cofactor in dopamine regulation.
    • Dose: 20–40 mg daily with food.
    • Evidence: Small RCTs indicate improved hyperactivity and impulsivity in children who are zinc-deficient; benefits are less clear for those with normal zinc levels.
    • Bottom Line: May mildly improve focus and energy, particularly if you have low zinc.
  • Magnesium (glycinate or threonate)
    • Function: Regulates NMDA/GABA receptors, helping to calm the nervous system.
    • Dose: 200–400 mg daily, ideally at night.
    • Evidence: Observational studies suggest a link between low magnesium and worse ADHD symptoms, but clinical trials are limited and have mixed results.
    • Bottom Line: Provides foundational calming support, especially for anxiety or when feeling overstimulated.
  • Iron (only if low ferritin)
    • Function: Key in dopamine synthesis.
    • Dose: 25–65 mg daily with vitamin C, taken away from calcium.
    • Evidence: Studies show lower ferritin levels are associated with more severe ADHD symptoms. Supplementing can be beneficial specifically when ferritin is below 60 ng/mL.
    • Bottom Line: Can be a game-changer if you're deficient; always test your levels before supplementing.
  • L-Tyrosine
    • Function: A precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine.
    • Dose: 500–2,000 mg on an empty stomach.
    • Evidence: While often used in studies on stress and cognitive performance, direct evidence for its effectiveness in ADHD is limited and lacks robust clinical data.
    • Bottom Line: Can be helpful during periods of stress or burnout, but its impact is often subtle and it's not specifically proven for ADHD.
  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
    • Function: An antioxidant that supports glutamate balance in the brain.
    • Dose: 600–1,200 mg daily.
    • Evidence: Some small studies and case reports indicate it might reduce emotional reactivity and impulsivity; however, more comprehensive research is still needed.
    • Bottom Line: A promising adjunct for emotional regulation and managing impulsivity.

Herbal Options

  • Rhodiola Rosea
    • Function: An adaptogen that supports stamina and stress resilience.
    • Dose: 200–400 mg/day, standardized to 3% rosavins.
    • Evidence: Studies support its effects on reducing fatigue and anxiety; however, there isn't direct evidence of its efficacy specifically for ADHD symptoms.
    • Bottom Line: Can be helpful for individuals with ADHD who experience burnout or significant fatigue.
  • Lion’s Mane Mushroom
    • Function: Thought to promote nerve growth and enhance brain plasticity.
    • Dose: 500–1,000 mg fruiting body extract daily.
    • Evidence: Preliminary studies suggest potential cognitive benefits, but specific trials for ADHD are currently lacking.
    • Bottom Line: Considered a subtle, long-term cognitive enhancer rather than a quick fix for ADHD symptoms.
  • Ashwagandha
    • Function: Helps calm cortisol levels and enhances overall stress resilience.
    • Dose: 300–600 mg standardized extract.
    • Evidence: Well-studied for its benefits in reducing anxiety and stress; however, there haven't been direct clinical trials on its effect on ADHD symptoms.
    • Bottom Line: An ideal option for managing anxiety and feelings of overstimulation.
  • Ginkgo Biloba
    • Function: Increases brain blood flow and can support focus.
    • Dose: 120–240 mg/day.
    • Evidence: May offer modest cognitive benefits. One ADHD trial actually showed better results when Ginkgo was combined with ginseng.
    • Bottom Line: Can be mildly helpful for focus, and often works best when used in combination with other adaptogens.
  • Bacopa Monnieri
    • Function: Known for improving memory and learning capabilities.
    • Dose: 250–500 mg standardized extract.
    • Evidence: Open-label studies in children have shown improvements in restlessness, attention, and impulse control; however, data for adults is still quite limited.
    • Bottom Line: More of a long-term memory enhancer than a fast-acting aid for immediate focus.
  • L-Theanine
    • Function: Promotes the production of alpha brain waves, leading to a state of calm focus.
    • Dose: 100–400 mg, often paired with caffeine.
    • Evidence: Small randomized controlled trials suggest improvements in attention and a reduction in anxiety, especially when used in conjunction with caffeine.
    • Bottom Line: A fast-acting calming agent; works great when paired with stimulants.
  • CBD (Cannabidiol)
    • Function: Helps reduce anxiety and emotional overarousal.
    • Dose: Start with 5–20 mg daily.
    • Evidence: While anecdotal reports and small studies support its benefits for anxiety and sleep, there aren't strong ADHD-specific clinical trials yet.
    • Bottom Line: May help with emotional regulation and improving sleep, particularly for trauma-sensitive adults.
  • Mucuna Pruriens
    • Function: Provides L-DOPA, which is a direct precursor to dopamine.
    • Dose: 100–500 mg standardized.
    • Evidence: Some research in Parkinson’s patients suggests cognitive effects; however, it completely lacks ADHD-specific data and carries a risk of interacting with stimulant medications.
    • Bottom Line: Can be energizing but isn't well-studied for ADHD; use with significant caution.
  • Gotu Kola
    • Function: A traditional brain tonic often used in Ayurvedic medicine.
    • Dose: 500–1,000 mg/day.
    • Evidence: Animal studies suggest potential benefits for memory and anxiety, but there's no clinical research available for its effects on ADHD.
    • Bottom Line: Offers gentle mood support; it's not a primary focus enhancer.
  • Panax Ginseng
    • Function: Known to boost mental energy and stamina.
    • Dose: 200–400 mg/day.
    • Evidence: Some evidence points to cognitive enhancement, especially in cases of fatigue, but it may overstimulate individuals prone to anxiety.
    • Bottom Line: An energizing adaptogen. It's generally not ideal for those who are already prone to anxiety.
  • Holy Basil (Tulsi)
    • Function: Helps balance cortisol levels and promotes emotional resilience.
    • Dose: 500 mg+ daily.
    • Evidence: Preliminary studies support its benefits for stress reduction; however, there are no ADHD-specific clinical trials.
    • Bottom Line: Offers subtle support for managing overwhelm and navigating emotional transitions.

Cutting-Edge and Emerging Treatments

Beyond traditional medication and supplements, the field of ADHD support is constantly evolving with innovative approaches.

  • Dasotraline
    • Description: Investigational dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with a 47-hour half-life. Once-daily oral dosing.
    • Status: Phase III trials showed efficacy but FDA approval was denied.
    • Bottom Line: Long-acting with low abuse risk, but not on the market yet.
  • EndeavorRx (AKL-T01)
    • Description: FDA-cleared digital therapeutic for kids; trials for adults ongoing. Uses adaptive video gameplay to improve attention and cognitive control.
    • Bottom Line: A promising non-drug option in development for adults.
  • Cognitive Training Tools
    • Description: Platforms like Cogmed, Peak, and BrainHQ target working memory and processing speed.
    • Bottom Line: Mixed evidence; some short-term benefits but limited real-world transfer.
  • Neurofeedback & Biofeedback Apps
    • Description: Tools like Mendi and Myndlift train brainwave regulation using sensors.
    • Bottom Line: Results vary; best paired with coaching or clinical supervision.
  • Mindfulness & Focus Apps
    • Description: Apps like Headspace and Brain.fm reduce stress and support focus.
    • Bottom Line: Strong support for mindfulness-based strategies in adults with ADHD.

What About Not Taking Medication?

Many successful professionals with ADHD manage their symptoms without medication. If you're wondering how to manage ADHD without medication, here are a few considerations: Some have tried meds and stopped. Others never started.

Pros:

  • No pharmaceutical side effects
  • Encourages reliance on behavioral and and environmental strategies
  • No need to manage prescriptions or timing doses

Cons:

  • Improvement may take longer
  • Requires more trial-and-error with structure, coaching, and lifestyle design
  • Some people struggle with basic functioning without medical support

Bottom Line: Not everyone needs or wants meds—but going med-free requires structure, support, and persistence. It’s a valid path, just not always the easiest.

Medication is Not a Magic Switch

Even when medication works well, it does not rewrite old habits. It does not eliminate avoidance, nor does it automatically create consistency. We work with many leaders who feel tremendous relief when they find the right treatment but are surprised to discover that their work patterns and personal systems still need attention.

That is because ADHD is not just a chemical imbalance; it is also a behavioral and relational pattern that takes time to reshape. I like to use the metaphor of wearing glasses: glasses can help you to focus your eyes, allowing you to see what needs your attention. However, you still have to take purposeful action that moves you towards your goals. Medication can enhance your brain's administrative functioning, which can give you more clarity about next steps you need to take, while easing the transition from inaction to sweet, sweet momentum.

Coach's Note: From Heather Flanagan, MBA
As a neurodiversity expert, executive ADHD coach, and founder of Flanagan Leadership Group, I’ve worked with hundreds of bright, capable adults who want to stop drowning in half-finished projects, forgotten commitments, and self-blame. Medication might open the door, but it is not a replacement for structure, self-compassion, or supportive systems.

Whether you use medication, supplements, rituals, or raw stubbornness to manage your brain, you deserve strategies that meet you where you are. No judgment. No shame. Just practical, science-backed options and real-world coaching to help you build the life you actually want.

Final Thoughts

There is no one right answer. What matters is that you have access to clear information, grounded coaching, and nonjudgmental support as you figure out what works for you. I hope this guide gives you the foundation to do exactly that. Your journey to better focus and organization is unique, and finding the right path is a process of exploration and self-discovery.

If you're ready to explore how personalized coaching can help you navigate your ADHD journey, we invite you to book a free 30-minute consultation with us. Click here to schedule your complimentary session and discover strategies tailored to your unique needs.

Disclaimer: Flanagan Leadership Group does not provide medical advice. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any medication or treatment strategy. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.

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