Stimulant medication
Stimulant ADHD medicines are easier to understand when grouped into two families: methylphenidate-based medicines and amphetamine-based medicines.
For adults, NICE lists methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine as first-line pharmacological options when medication is appropriate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is available in immediate-release and modified-release formulations. Modified-release products can differ in how quickly and how long they release medicine, which is why brand and formulation instructions can matter.
Shorter acting and potentially more flexible, but usually requires dosing more than once across the day.
Designed to cover a larger part of the day. Products are not all interchangeable because release profiles differ.
Modified-release methylphenidate families
SPS groups Affenid XL, Atenza XL, Concerta XL, Delmosart, Matoride XL, Xaggitin XL and Xenidate XL as bioequivalent prolonged-release tablets.
A different release profile from the Concerta-type group; SPS advises that no other modified-release product is bioequivalent to it.
A 50/50 immediate/modified-release capsule where food instructions matter.
SPS groups Focusim XL, Meflynate XL, Metyrol XL and Ritalin XL as bioequivalent to one another.
Amphetamine-based medicines
A longer-acting prodrug converted in the body to dexamfetamine. NICE lists it alongside methylphenidate as a first-line adult option.
A shorter-acting amphetamine. NICE says it can be considered where lisdexamfetamine is effective but the longer effect profile is not tolerated.