Strattera and Intuniv may take anywhere from three to six weeks to see full effect, or at least one month after getting to the target dosage. It may take a few weeks to even a few months to get the medication type and dosages adjusted to the most effective amounts. Some take an hour to really be effective, others 15 to 20 minutes. Stimulants work the same day, and only that day. There is also a newer nonstimulant called Intuniv (guanfacine) that has some promise, but it hasn't been out long enough to really know how well it works.ĭavid Pomeroy, MD (): It depends on the ADHD medication. The bad news is that it tends to be less effective than the stimulants, so it is usually considered a second choice for ADHD. The good news is that it works 24/7 once it kicks in. As a result, it can be several weeks or more before it has any effect. There is also a nonstimulant medication called Strattera that needs to be taken every day and build up in the person's system. Plus, they tend to be smoother in their effects through the day. Generally speaking, the extended-release versions are best because the person doesn't need to remember to take a midday dose. This allows people to have days when they take it and days when they don't. I compare the stimulants to aspirin - they begin to work pretty quickly, do their thing, and then fade out so the medication is out of the person's system by the next day. The short-acting versions last four to six hours and the extended-release versions last up to 14 hours, depending on the individual. Strattera (atomoxetine) works more slowly and must be taken on a regular basis for a full effect.Īri Tuckman, PsyD, MBA ( ): The most effective and commonly used medications for ADHD are the stimulants - Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall XR (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, among others) - and they begin to work within an hour. They are really like wearing glasses in that sense. Kim Kendall, PhD ( ): Stimulants for ADHD work very quickly, within a half hour to an hour and a half depending on the type and dose. Everyday Health: How fast does ADHD medication work?
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