ADHD stimulant brand and generic names
Common stimulant pairs
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type | Route / form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adderall | dextroamphetamine, dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine, amphetamine aspartate | CNS stimulants | Immediate-release mixture |
| Ritalin / Concerta | methylphenidate | CNS stimulants | Immediate release (methylphenidate) |
| Concerta | methylphenidate hydrochloride | ADHD stimulants | Extended release (methylphenidate) |
| Vyvanse | lisdexamfetamine | CNS stimulants | Prodrug capsule (lisdexamfetamine) |
| Focalin | dexmethylphenidate | CNS stimulants | Immediate release (dexmethylphenidate) |
Concerta is an extended-release methylphenidate product; Ritalin is a common immediate-release methylphenidate brand association.
Understanding stimulant formulations
Amphetamine salts (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) are different molecules. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a prodrug converted to dextroamphetamine.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication—keep it in a separate non-stimulant group.
Naming patterns and memory tips
Pair Concerta with extended-release methylphenidate and Ritalin with immediate-release methylphenidate before mixing ER/XR cards with IR cards.
Commonly confused ADHD stimulant names
Ritalin and Concerta
Both contain methylphenidate; Concerta identifies extended release.
Adderall and Vyvanse
Adderall is mixed amphetamine salts; Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine—different generics and brands.