Medication can make a huge difference for people with ADHD — but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
At Fishtown Medicine, we help you understand:
Whether medication makes sense
Which type might fit best
What we’re actually targeting
How to evaluate whether it’s working
We also offer tools beyond meds to improve focus, motivation, and daily flow — but if meds are helpful, we prescribe with clarity and caution.
💊 Two main categories of ADHD medications:
✅ Stimulants
These are the most commonly prescribed and often most effective for core ADHD symptoms.
How they work:
They increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain — which improves focus, attention, and task initiation.
Examples:
Amphetamine-based: Adderall, Vyvanse, Evekeo
Methylphenidate-based: Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin
What they help:
Distractibility
Task switching
Mental fatigue
Slowed start-up (executive dysfunction)
What to watch for:
Sleep disruption
Appetite changes
Anxiety or overstimulation
Elevated blood pressure or heart rate
Rebound symptoms when medication wears off
We always start low and monitor closely — stimulants are controlled substances, so we take safety, state law, and medical context seriously.
✅ Non-Stimulants
These may be helpful if you’ve had side effects from stimulants, have coexisting conditions (like anxiety), or need longer 24-hour support.
How they work:
Different mechanisms — some regulate norepinephrine levels; others work through dopamine modulation or emotional regulation.
Examples:
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Guanfacine (Intuniv)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) — also used for mood and nicotine withdrawal
Clonidine (Kapvay) — often used in children or for sleep-related ADHD symptoms
What they help:
Focus and attention
Emotional impulsivity
Sleep, irritability, and anxiety in some patients
What to watch for:
Fatigue or low energy (especially early on)
Dry mouth, nausea, or low mood in some
Slower onset of benefits (can take several weeks)
🧠 How we choose:
We consider:
Your top symptoms (focus? motivation? mood?)
History of sensitivity to medications or stimulants
Sleep and anxiety patterns
Cardiovascular health
Hormones, iron levels, thyroid function, and more
Whether you’ve responded to certain meds in the past
⚖️ Our philosophy:
Meds are a tool, not a crutch
If we prescribe, we monitor closely and review regularly
We combine meds with nutrition, sleep, therapy/coaching, and structure
We don’t medicate just to meet productivity — we medicate to support your function, self-regulation, and sense of self