Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
October is National ADHD Awareness Month, a campaign to raise awareness and understanding of ADHD. The campaign encourages sharing information, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals and families affected by ADHD. By participating, we can help build a more informed and supportive community.
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition in children that often continues into adulthood, marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can affect academic, professional, and social life. Without treatment, ADHD may lead to low self-esteem and social difficulties, especially in children, and heightened self-criticism in adults.
How is ADHD Treated?
ADHD is usually managed through a combination of medication and therapy. Common therapies include Psychoeducation, Behavior Therapy, Parent Training, Social Skills Training, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
What Medications Are Used for ADHD?
Medications for ADHD don't cure the condition but help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Each has potential side effects, so working with a healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan is essential. There are several types of licensed ADHD medications.
1.Methylphenidate: The most commonly used medication for ADHD, methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant that increases brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. It can help individuals with ADHD concentrate better, feel calmer, and learn new skills.
2.Lisdexamfetamine: Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) stimulates certain brain parts to improve concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. It is often prescribed for teenagers and children over the age of five if methylphenidate (Ritalin) does not work after six weeks of treatment.
3.Dextroamphetamine: Similar to Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Zenzedi, and ProCentra) is a stimulant used to treat ADHD by enhancing concentration and reducing impulsivity.
4.Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine: Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that stimulates the brain to help improve focus and control impulsive behavior. It is widely used in both children and adults with ADHD.
5.Dexmethylphenidate: Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) is a more refined form of methylphenidate, Focalin works similarly but may be effective at lower doses.
6.Amphetamine: Amphetamine (Evekeo) is a stimulant similar to Adderall, used to improve attention and control hyperactivity and impulsivity.
7.Atomoxetine: Unlike the stimulants mentioned above, atomoxetine (Strattera) is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount of noradrenaline in the brain, which can help improve focus and control impulses.
8.Guanfacine: Guanfacine (Intuniv) works on specific brain parts to improve attention and reduce blood pressure. It is typically offered to children and teenagers when other medications are unsuitable.
9.Clonidine: Clonidine (Kapvay) is a non-stimulant often prescribed when stimulants are unsuitable, it helps reduce hyperactivity and improve attention in children and teenagers.
Does Insurance Cover ADHD Medication?
Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover a portion of ADHD medication costs. They are more likely to cover generic drugs rather than brand-name ones, like amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (generic Adderall) over Adderall. Newer drugs without generics, such as Viloxazine (Qelbree), may be less likely to be covered. In some cases, insurance requires prior authorization before covering ADHD medication.
How much does ADHD medication cost with insurance?
FDA-approved ADHD medications vary in cost based on drug type and dosage. Without insurance, the retail price of 60 x 20 mg amphetamine-dextroamphetamine tablets (generic Adderall) costs around $124, though prices vary by dosage, quantity, and pharmacy. It is even more expensive for brand-name medications. Insurance or Medicaid/Medicare may not fully cover the cost, and you may pay more before reaching your deductible. After meeting your deductible, insurance will likely cover more or all of the medication costs for the rest of the year.
Can I use RxLess® to save on ADHD medications?
Yes, by joining the RxLess® Assurance Plan through their free app, you can save up to 88% on ADHD medications. For example, the same 60 generic Adderall tablets mentioned above could cost as little as $24, saving you $100. Similarly, 60 generic Ritalin tablets can be priced as low as $11, saving you $56 off the retail price. RxLess coupons are available to anyone with a valid prescription at participating pharmacies, regardless of insurance status or income level.
