• Mental Health

The Real Price of ADHD Treatment: Why Medications Cost What They Do

Published: April 24, 2025
Updated: April 24, 2025
4 mins

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, getting the right treatment is crucial to managing it in your daily life. While ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in childhood, it's possible to receive a diagnosis later in life as well. A healthcare provider can help you navigate symptoms like hyperactivity and trouble focusing with a personalized treatment plan. However, not every combination of medication and therapy is the same for those with ADHD.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

A licensed healthcare provider can meet with you online or in person to determine if you have ADHD. However, some telehealth platforms may have slightly different processes for ADHD diagnosis depending on the provider. 

Generally, a healthcare provider will ask several questions about your health history, family health history, and current symptoms. In some instances, they may perform a medical exam as well. 

ADHD is difficult for many healthcare providers to diagnose because of how similar the most common symptoms are to other mental health conditions. The process for diagnosing children with ADHD is slightly different than the adult diagnostic process. 

A healthcare provider may also ask about observations from school staff and other primary adults in a child’s life. Your primary healthcare providers may refer you to a licensed mental health professional to evaluate you further and help with your treatment plan.

How Do You Treat ADHD?

Treating ADHD is a personalized experience that often includes a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Healthcare providers often recommend ADHD medications and behavioral training for children to help them manage their symptoms in school and at home.

The following medications may be prescribed to both adults and children to treat ADHD:

• Ritalin (methylphenidate): Ritalin immediate-release and extended-release tablets alter neurotransmitters (dopamine) in the brain to manage ADHD symptoms. 

• Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine): Adderall releases dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It’s available as an immediate-release tablet, an extended-release tablet, and a capsule.

• Vyvanse (amphetamine and lysine): Vyvanse immediate-release and extended-release tablets release dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help improve focus and balance your mood.

• Concerta (methylphenidate): A central nervous system stimulant that treats ADHD and ADD by releasing dopamine and norepinephrine. It’s available as a chewable tablet, extended-release tablet, or liquid.

• Strattera (atomoxetine): A non-stimulant capsule that alters norepinephrine in the brain to improve ADHD symptoms.

A healthcare provider may also prescribe antidepressants like Wellbutrin (bupropion) as a non-stimulant medication if you also experience anxiety. Be sure to follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on proper dosage.

What are the Most Common ADHD Medications?

Stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. The main ingredients in these medications (methylphenidate in Ritalin and amphetamine in Adderall) increase dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain.

Non-stimulants may be less common, but they may be more ideal for those who experience uncomfortable symptoms while taking stimulants or have a history of addiction. Stimulants are controlled substances with a higher risk of misuse than non-stimulants.

A healthcare provider may be more likely to prescribe a non-stimulant medication to children for this reason. If stimulant medications lead to intense side effects, a healthcare provider may recommend the following non-stimulant medications: 

• Kapvay (clonidine): An extended-release tablet that alters norepinephrine in the brain to help manage attention span and hyperactivity.

• Tenex (guanfacine): Tenex extended-release tablets treat ADHD and high blood pressure. This medication is especially effective for children under the age of 12.

• Strattera (atomoxetine): Atomoxetine capsules help to improve attention spans, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain.

• Wellbutrin (bupropion): An antidepressant that may help reduce ADHD symptoms and depression symptoms from other co-occurring mental health conditions. The medication keeps norepinephrine and dopamine around for longer in the brain to improve attentiveness and focus. It comes as an extended-release or sustained-release tablet.

What is the Difference Between Brand Name and Generic ADHD Medications? 

If you have concerns about affording your ADHD medication, a healthcare provider may recommend generic versions of the medication you need. Generic medications are off-brand versions of brand-name medications. They have the same main ingredients as brand names.

Because of the high demand for brand-name medications, the cost of brand-name ADHD medications like Adderall is much higher than for generic medications. The generic version of Adderall (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine) is widely available at local pharmacies because of a national Adderall shortage. 

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) requires that generic versions of ADHD medication have the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage guidelines. Still, some generic medications may contain different inactive ingredients that brand-name medications don’t have. 

What is the Cost of ADHD medications?

The cost of ADHD medications varies based on your health insurance coverage, the type of medication you need, and availability where you live. Some states may require prior authorization before you can receive an ADHD prescription from your healthcare provider. Prior authorization is a process that verifies that the medication is essential for the person receiving it.

Costs can vary from around $300 to $500 or more a month for brand-name ADHD medication like Adderall or Ritalin. However, online discounts and patient assistance programs can help manage the cost of ADHD medications. 

How much is ADHD Medication Without Insurance?

ADHD medication can cost thousands of dollars a year for adults without insurance. Generic medications tend to be more affordable than brand-name medications at around $100 or less, depending on your coverage and pharmacy. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about additional ways to reduce the cost of medication. Some immediate-release tablets may also be more affordable than extended-release tablets in some cases.

Tips for Reducing ADHD Medication Costs

Even if you have insurance, prescription medications can feel like a big financial burden. Consider incorporating the following tips to better manage the cost of ADHD medications:

• Speak with your healthcare provider about cutting your pill dosage yourself at home.

• Ask your healthcare provider about taking generic medications instead.

• Get a discount pharmacy card to get discounts on prescriptions.

Where Can I Learn More About Getting ADHD Treatment?

At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about your symptoms and options for treatment. LifeMD works with insurance plans that cover mental health services for at least 95% of our patients. Still, there are tips and alternative options for care for people without health insurance.

Get started today by exploring accessible options for ADHD care from the comfort of your home.

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