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[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · Class

# ADHD medicines

Stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine) that raise dopamine and noradrenaline to improve attention.

Updated 2026-11-01

## What they are

Medicines for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants work quickly and are controlled substances because of abuse risk; atomoxetine is a non-stimulant that is not a controlled substance.

## Mechanism of action

Methylphenidate blocks the dopamine and noradrenaline transporters (DAT, NET). Amphetamines also enter the neuron and release dopamine and noradrenaline from vesicles (VMAT2) and through reverse transport. Atomoxetine selectively blocks NET. More catecholamine in the prefrontal cortex improves attention and impulse control.

Target: Dopamine (DAT) and noradrenaline (NET) transporters

## Key points

- Stimulants carry a boxed warning for abuse, misuse and addiction; atomoxetine is not a controlled substance.
- All raise heart rate and blood pressure; sudden death has been reported in people with structural heart disease.
- Together with an MAO inhibitor (or within 14 days of stopping one) they can cause a hypertensive crisis: contraindicated.
- In children, growth (height and weight) is followed during stimulant treatment.
- Atomoxetine carries a warning of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents, and rare severe liver injury.

## Drugs in this class

- [**Methylphenidate** A stimulant for ADHD and narcolepsy that blocks dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake. It is a controlled substance… Dopamine transporter (DAT)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/methylphenidate/)
- [**Amfetamine** A stimulant that releases dopamine and noradrenaline from nerve endings. Used for ADHD and narcolepsy; high abuse… Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and the dopamine and noradrenaline transporters](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/amfetamine/)
- [**Atomoxetine** A non-stimulant for ADHD that selectively blocks noradrenaline reuptake. Not a controlled substance, so its abuse risk… Noradrenaline transporter (NET)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/atomoxetine/)

## Others in the class

- Lisdexamfetamine
- Dexamfetamine
- Guanfacine
- Clonidine

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## How does amphetamine differ from methylphenidate in its mechanism?

Methylphenidate only blocks reuptake; amphetamine also releases dopamine and noradrenaline from vesicles and reverses the transporters.

## Which ADHD medicine is not a controlled substance, and which transporter does it block?

Atomoxetine; it selectively blocks the noradrenaline transporter (NET).

## Why is a stimulant contraindicated with an MAO inhibitor?

Both raise synaptic catecholamines; together they can cause a hypertensive crisis.

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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [DailyMed - METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE tablet](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=35be77db-fbe3-487e-a220-a08a11aaec28) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [DailyMed - ATOMOXETINE capsule](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0ab8d905-e890-4e91-a730-3e5d12f5c23f) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [DailyMed - AMPHETAMINE SULFATE tablet](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=20735c2e-6304-425f-a4e4-584f6f90d6a0) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026).

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/adhd-medicines/
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