Except in children under age 5, medications are considered the first-line treatment for ADHD.[1][2] Short- and long-acting forms of amphetamines and methylphenidate — stimulants that increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain — are most commonly prescribed and considered highly effective for treating ADHD.[3][4]
Other nonstimulant medications used for ADHD include atomoxetine,[5] bupropion,[6] and tricyclic antidepressants.[7]There is some preliminary research suggesting that modafinil may improve ADHD, but much more research is needed.[8]