ADHD medications
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD. Both main types are available in short-acting and long-acting forms, and treatment is tailored to the individual.
Dexamfetamine-based medications
Dexamfetamine
Available in short-acting and long-acting forms
Short-acting
Dexamfetamine
Generic / various brands
Provides flexible symptom control throughout the day and can be adjusted to suit individual needs.
🕐 2–3 times per day
Long-acting
Lisdexamfetamine
Vyvanse®
More consistent symptom control across the day. Taken once in the morning.
☀️ Once daily (morning)
Methylphenidate-based medications
Methylphenidate
Available in short-acting and long-acting forms
Short-acting
Methylphenidate IR
Immediate release / Ritalin
Often used initially to assess response before transitioning to longer-acting options.
🕐 Multiple times per day
Long-acting
Methylphenidate LA
Concerta® · Ritalin LA®
Once-daily formulations designed to provide sustained symptom control throughout the day.
☀️ Once daily
PBS eligibility
PBS subsidy for long-acting stimulants — important information
For long-acting stimulant medications, PBS-subsidised treatment in adults generally requires evidence that ADHD symptoms were present in childhood. This can be established through:
A diagnosis made before age 18, or
A retrospective diagnosis by a psychiatrist confirming childhood onset
If this is not documented, long-acting medications may need to be prescribed privately.
Combination therapy
Long-acting + short-acting
In some cases, a combination of long-acting and short-acting medication may be used to optimise symptom control across the day — for example, a booster dose in the afternoon.
General principles
Start low
Treatment is started at a low dose and adjusted gradually to minimise side effects.
Aim for balance
The goal is good symptom control with minimal side effects — not the highest dose.
Individualised
Medication choice depends on individual response, side effects, and lifestyle factors.