Online prescriptions for stimulant ADHD Medications

Meet with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner online to find out if stimulant ADHD medications are right for you. Insurance accepted. Book online or call to schedule. Appointments are often available the same day or same week.

Treatment for:
ADHD

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360+ insurance plans accepted

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find the right provider

    Browse providers online or call us and we’ll help you find someone who accepts your insurance and fits your needs. Pick a time that works for you and choose how you’d like to pay.

  • 2

    Get started with treatment

    At your first session, share what you’re experiencing and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment. Together, you’ll discuss your options—including whether medication might be a good fit. If so, your provider can send a prescription directly to your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Track your progress

    Your provider will check in regularly to make sure your treatment plan is working for you and adjust as needed.

Common stimulant ADHD Medications

At Thriveworks, we may prescribe the following stimulant ADHD medications to help manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):

FAQs about stimulant ADHD medications

What are stimulant ADHD medications used for?

Stimulant medications, like mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. In clinical trials, they’ve been shown to reduce core ADHD symptoms, including trouble focusing, acting without thinking things through, and hyperactivity, like fidgeting or feeling restless.

Some stimulants are also FDA-approved for other conditions. For example, Adderall is also approved for narcolepsy, and Vyvanse is also approved for binge eating disorder.

Are stimulant ADHD medications controlled substances?

Yes. All stimulant ADHD medications are Schedule II controlled substances, meaning they have a high potential for abuse. Because of this, you can’t get an automatic refill. Your provider has to write a new prescription each time you need more.

If you’d prefer an ADHD medication that isn’t a controlled substance, nonstimulant options include atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree), clonidine ER (Kapvay), and guanfacine ER (Intuniv). Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is also sometimes used off-label.

What's the difference between Adderall and Vyvanse?

Adderall and Vyvanse are both stimulant medications for ADHD that work in a similar way in the brain, but they differ in two key ways: how fast each one starts working, and how long it lasts.

Adderall contains active amphetamine the moment you take it, so it works quickly. Vyvanse is inactive until your body converts it into its active form, so it takes a bit longer to kick in, but that gradual process also tends to produce a smoother, more even effect.

That same difference shows up in how long each one lasts. Adderall’s immediate-release version wears off after about four to six hours, while its extended-release version lasts about 10 to 12 hours. Vyvanse lasts slightly longer, with effects that can extend up to 14 hours.

For a full breakdown—including side effects and how to know which might be right for you—see our Vyvanse vs. Adderall guide.

What are common side effects of stimulant ADHD medications?

The most common side effects of ADHD stimulant medications include decreased appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and headache. They can also raise heart rate and blood pressure, so your provider may screen for underlying heart conditions before starting treatment.

Stimulant ADHD medications may also worsen anxiety—a listed risk on the FDA-approved labeling—but the evidence here is mixed. A 2015 meta-analysis found that stimulants do not worsen anxiety in children with ADHD any more than placebo. Methylphenidate (like Ritalin or Concerta) in particular was linked to a lower risk of anxiety, while amphetamine-based stimulants (like Adderall or Vyvanse) showed about the same risk as placebo.

Which stimulant ADHD medication is best for me?

There’s no single “best” stimulant. The right one for you depends on a few things:

  1. Your daily coverage needs. If you only need help for part of the day, a short-acting option can be timed around that window. If you need steady focus from morning through evening, a once-daily extended-release option, like Adderall XR or Vyvanse, may be a better fit.
  2. Your preferred way of taking it. If swallowing a capsule is difficult, some stimulants come as a chewable, a liquid, a dissolvable tablet, or even a skin patch instead.
  3. How your body responds. Side effects like appetite loss, trouble sleeping, or irritability can make one option work better for you than another, even if it’s not the “typical” first choice.

Because everyone responds differently, your provider will work with you to find the medication, dose, and timing that fits your life.

What if a stimulant isn't right for me?

You have other options. Nonstimulant ADHD medications —atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree), clonidine ER (Kapvay), and guanfacine ER (Intuniv)—can be very effective for many people, though they typically take longer to start working than stimulants. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is also sometimes used off-label for ADHD.

Behavior therapy is another well-supported option, for both children and adults. For kids, it often centers on parent training and has been shown to improve self-regulation, self-esteem, and behavior. For adults, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help build skills like time management and organization, and research shows it works whether or not someone is also taking medication.

Can I get a prescription for stimulant ADHD medications online?

It depends. Because stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances, there are specific telehealth requirements your provider will walk you through. If your state requires in-person evaluation, we can connect you with a local Thriveworks location or recommend other options.

Does insurance cover stimulant ADHD medication consultations at Thriveworks?

Yes, Thriveworks accepts more than 360 insurance plans and most cover psychiatric services. You can check your coverage before booking, with no commitment required.

If you’re prescribed medication, whether that’s covered depends on your specific insurance plan. Coverage for prescription medications is separate from the coverage for psychiatric services, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your prescription drug benefits. Ask about any copays or deductibles that may apply to psychiatric medications, as well as any restrictions or prior authorization requirements.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Book a session with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks online or by calling [telephone]. At your first appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms, treatment history, and goals. If medication is a good clinical fit, your provider may send a prescription to your local pharmacy.

Is Thriveworks LegitScript certified?

Yes, Thriveworks is LegitScript certified. Our services have been independently reviewed and verified by a leading compliance organization, confirming high standards for legality, safety, and transparency in prescribing medication like stimulants.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 20, 2026

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are primarily offered online, with in-person availability in select states.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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