How long ADHD medication takes to work depends on the type of medication you have been prescribed. Typically, ADHD medication falls into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. Show Stimulants become effective fairly quickly, often in less than an hour. Non-stimulants can take days or weeks until their full therapeutic effect is felt. Stimulant MedicationsStimulant medications are the first line of ADHD treatment, as they are considered to be the most effective in treating symptoms. They act on the central nervous system and increase a number of neurotransmitters in the brain. The increase of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine improves focus and concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Stimulant medications are forms of either amphetamine or methylphenidate. These stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD and typically start to work in 30 minutes to two hours.
Non-Stimulant MedicationsNon-stimulant medications are second-line treatment options for ADHD. This is because, while they are effective in treating ADHD, their effectiveness is not as universal as stimulant medications. Non-stimulants are a helpful option for someone who is not able to tolerate stimulant medication because of side effects or the presence of an underlying medical condition. Non-stimulants take approximately two to six weeks to become effective as the drug needs to be present in the body over time before the benefits can be seen. Because they take longer to work, adjusting medication to the right therapeutic dose also takes time. These are the common non-stimulants prescribed for ADHD and how long they typically take to work:
Approved by the FDA in 2021, Qelbree (viloxazine) is an extended-release non-stimulant medication option for children and adolescents (ages six to 17) with ADHD. It can be taken once per day. Like other non-stimulant medications, it takes a week or more to start working. Are My ADHD Meds Working?People often wonder how long it takes for their ADHD meds to work—or if they are working at all. Some of this uncertainty is due to the fact that people can experience noticeable improvements right away, subtle improvements, or delayed or no improvement.
In addition, some people may notice side effects before they notice an improvement in their symptoms. Side effects for stimulant medication may include:
Side effects for non-stimulant medication may include:
In general, if your ADHD medication is working, you’ll begin to feel less anxious and experience fewer mood swings. In addition, you'll be better able to:
While most ADHD medications will make these symptoms more manageable, they won’t all disappear completely. Finding the Right MedsIf you have been taking ADHD medications and have not experienced an improvement in your symptoms, visit your doctor and tell them about your experience. Your doctor will usually start you at a low dose and gradually increase it until the right therapeutic dose for you is found. This is where there is an improvement in your symptoms without negative side effects. If higher doses of the medication are not helpful, your doctor might change your medication from an amphetamine medication to a methylphenidate medication or vice versa. A non-stimulant medication might be suggested, either alone or with stimulant medication, as another option. Although some people experience positive results on the first day of taking medication, for many people, it takes a few tries until they find the right medication and dosage that works for them. Although it can feel disappointing to not get immediate results, it does not mean ADHD medication won't work for you. It just means you have not found the right medication and dose yet. If a child isn't responding to medication, your healthcare provider may also test for any coexisting conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, or a learning disability or behavioral problem. A Word From VerywellTo know if your meds are working, be strategic. Jot down the ADHD symptoms you would like to see improvements with. Then, when you start taking a medication, document any changes in these symptoms or personal observations about them. Ask your partner or family members for feedback, too, as they might notice changes that you were not aware of. If you are a parent, record the changes you notice in your child as well as your child's feedback and that of your child's teacher. In addition to being helpful to you, this information will also be beneficial for your doctor. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
By Jacqueline Sinfield Thanks for your feedback! How long does it take Adderall to kick in after eating?Adderall immediate release (IR) starts working roughly 20 to 30 minutes after being ingested, and it reaches its peak effectiveness approximately 1 to 2 hours after taking it. Adderall extended release (XR) begins working after 30 minutes and has a longer-lasting effect.
Does Adderall work better with food in your stomach?According to medical site AskDrJones.com, Adderall is best absorbed when there's no food in the stomach. Food can slow down the effects of the drug and delay your improvement.
Can you take Adderall after eating?You may take this medication with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take this medication the same way with every dose. Taking this medication after noon may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules.
What can affect Adderall absorption?Foods that contain large amounts of citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) will prevent the absorption of both Adderall IR and XR into the body. Fruit juices high in vitamin C, soda drinks, and food with high levels of preservatives should be avoided an hour before and after taking Adderall.
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