ADHD Stimulant Medications | Non-Stimulant Options | Dr. Farkas
Quick Answer

ADHD medication management covers stimulant medications (methylphenidate class, amphetamine class) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine ER, clonidine ER). Selection considers response history, cardiovascular status, substance-use history, and comorbid anxiety. Dr. Farkas titrates to response, monitors cardiovascular parameters, and coordinates with primary care.

Medically reviewed by Gabriella I. Farkas, MD PhD — Board-Certified Psychiatrist · Reviewed 2026-07-09 · MD/PhD Neuroscience · Zucker Hillside NIH Research Center
Related topics on this page: methylphenidate · amphetamine ADHD · non-stimulant ADHD · adult ADHD medication

Frequently Asked Questions

Are stimulants safe long-term?

Stimulants have decades of safety data when appropriately prescribed and monitored. Cardiovascular baseline and periodic monitoring, screening for substance-use risk, and titration to therapeutic effect are standard. Long-term treatment is common and safe in appropriate patients.

What are the non-stimulant options?

Atomoxetine (a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), viloxazine ER, and alpha-2 agonists (guanfacine ER, clonidine ER). All are FDA-approved for ADHD. Non-stimulants are indicated when stimulants are contraindicated or when comorbid anxiety, tics, or substance-use history argue against stimulants.

Can I take stimulants with anxiety?

Sometimes. Stimulants can worsen anxiety in some patients; in others, treating ADHD reduces anxiety by improving function and reducing self-criticism. Careful titration and consideration of augmentation with an SSRI or non-stimulant strategy addresses comorbidity.

Related pages

Medication Classes

ADHD Stimulant &
Non-Stimulant Medications

Stimulant and non-stimulant optimization for adult ADHD — matching the formulation, release profile, and dose to your specific presentation, schedule, and coexisting conditions. Adult ADHD is frequently undertreated; Dr. Farkas takes it seriously.

30–60 min evaluation
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MD/PhD neuroscience
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Aetna & Cigna
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SC · NY · VA telehealth
ADHD Stimulants
ADHD Medication Classes
Amphetamine salts (Adderall) · Methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) · Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) · Atomoxetine (Strattera) · Viloxazine (Qelbree) · Bupropion
MD/PhD-level prescribing — not pattern-matching
Measurement-based tracking at every follow-up
"No harm" philosophy — side effects are solved, not accepted
In-network: Aetna & Cigna
📅 Request an appointment → 📞 917-267-9678
Medication Classes

How Dr. Farkas approaches
Non-Stimulant Medications

Evidence-based, neurobiologically-informed. Every prescribing decision is grounded in mechanism — not tradition or trial-and-error.

Stimulant Selection
Amphetamine vs. methylphenidate, immediate vs. extended release — the choice matters. Dr. Farkas matches formulation to your daily schedule and response pattern.
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Non-Stimulant Options
Atomoxetine, viloxazine, and bupropion are effective alternatives for patients with anxiety, substance use history, or stimulant intolerance.
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Diagnostic Rigour
ADHD diagnosis requires careful differentiation from anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders — all of which can present similarly. Dr. Farkas doesn't skip this step.
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Cardiovascular Monitoring
Blood pressure and heart rate are monitored at every visit. Stimulants require this — and Dr. Farkas does it systematically.
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Comorbidity Management
Most adults with ADHD have at least one comorbid condition. Dr. Farkas manages ADHD alongside anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders simultaneously.
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Outcome Tracking
Validated ADHD rating scales (ADHD-RS, CAARS) at follow-up visits to track functional improvement — not just subjective feeling.
The Process

From evaluation to
lasting results

1
Comprehensive Evaluation
30–60 minutes covering your full psychiatric, medical, and medication history. Nothing skipped — accuracy before action.
2
Neurobiological Strategy
Treatment selection based on mechanism, your history, and what's failed before. Not the next name in the algorithm.
3
Regular Monitoring
Validated outcome measures at every visit. Objective data drives every adjustment — symptom improvement and side effect burden both tracked.
4
Long-Term Optimization
Treatment evolves as your life does. Regular reviews ensure you're always on the lowest effective regimen with the highest quality of life.
Conditions Treated

ADHD Stimulants is used to treat
these conditions

Adult ADHDInattentive ADHDADHD + AnxietyADHD + DepressionExecutive Function Difficulties

Don't see your condition? View all 28 conditions treated →

Getting Started

What to expect at
your first appointment

New patient evaluations are 30–60 minutes — never a rushed intake. Dr. Farkas takes your full psychiatric, medical, and medication history before making any prescribing decisions. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan that makes sense to you, and a follow-up already scheduled.

Telehealth available throughout South Carolina, New York, and Virginia. In-person at our Hilton Head Island, SC office.

30–60 minute evaluation — not a template intake
Full review of prior medication history and what's failed
Neurobiologically-informed prescribing, not trial-and-error
Measurement-based tracking at every follow-up visit
No-harm philosophy — side effects are solved, not tolerated

Ready for prescribing done
at the MD/PhD level?

30–60 minutes. Expert diagnosis. A treatment plan built around your specific neurobiology and goals.

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