• Mental Health

How to Get ADHD Medication Online

Published: April 24, 2025
Updated: April 24, 2025
4 mins

ADHD is a common childhood health condition that can persist into adulthood. This means that most adults (whether diagnosed in childhood or adulthood) have a lifetime of treatment. Most people may associate ADHD with a lack of focus, but it can be a lot more than that. For those with ADHD, symptoms of hyperactivity and inattentiveness can disrupt daily life. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated one-third of adults with ADHD use some form of telehealth services as part of their care. 

Telehealth has helped many people have more access to affordable health services related to ADHD treatment. Many telehealth platforms work with healthcare providers to offer generic prescription medications and mental health support through virtual talk therapy and other behavioral practices. 

What are ADHD Medications?

Methylphenidate and amphetamine are the two most common ingredients in ADHD medications. A healthcare provider may switch you to the other if one of them is not as effective for you. These medications increase neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve ADHD symptoms.

On average, methylphenidate medications begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes of taking them. Amphetamine medications take the same amount of time to begin working in the body. However, some brands of methylphenidate and amphetamine may last for different amounts of time in the body.

The most common ADHD medications include the following:

• Ritalin (methylphenidate): A medication treating ADHD, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and narcolepsy, it’s available as a tablet or capsule. Ritalin alters neurotransmitters (dopamine) in the brain to manage ADHD symptoms. 

• Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine): Adderall treats ADHD and narcolepsy. It's available as an immediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, and capsule.

• Vyvanse (amphetamine and lysine): Vyvanse treats ADHD in children and adults and binge eating disorder in adults. It’s available as a chewable tablet or capsule.

• Concerta (methylphenidate): Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant that treats ADHD and ADD. It’s available as an extended-release tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid.

Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) can increase norepinephrine in the brain to improve ADHD symptoms, like the ability to focus. Unlike the most common ADHD medications, Strattera is a non-stimulant drug.

What is the Difference Between Stimulant and Non-Stimulant Medications?

Stimulant medications are more commonly used than non-stimulant medications. Generally, stimulant medications are more effective than non-stimulant medications. However, a healthcare provider may recommend non-stimulant medications because they don’t tend to have the same strong side effects. 

Some people may not react well to stimulants. The following non-stimulant medications can help manage ADHD symptoms with a lower risk of side effects:

• Clonidine (Kapvay): An extended-release tablet treating ADHD. Clonidine is typically taken twice a day.

• Guanfacine (Tenex): Guanfacine is an immediate-release pill and extended-release tablet that treats ADHD and high blood pressure.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

Your primary healthcare provider may evaluate you for ADHD if you begin to show symptoms. Symptoms like hyperactivity or persistent restlessness are common ADHD symptoms in adults. However, some symptoms may look very similar to other health conditions. More often than not, your primary healthcare provider will recommend that you see a mental health professional before prescribing medication.

Generally, five or more symptoms are required for a healthcare provider to diagnose someone with ADHD. For a lot of people with ADHD, symptoms may get in the way of how well they show up at work and manage other responsibilities.

As part of the evaluation process, a healthcare provider may ask about past mental health struggles, medical history, and current mood patterns. They may also run psychological tests to look at cognitive skills, reasoning, and other psychological challenges. 

The process for diagnosing ADHD may be slightly different than it is for adults. For children, a healthcare provider may consider speaking with family, friends, and teachers about their behavioral patterns as part of the diagnostic process.

Telehealth platforms supporting mental health services can connect you with a licensed healthcare provider who can identify ADHD symptoms. There are also self-screening tests you can use to take the first step towards diagnosis. The World Health Organization offers an adult self-report scale screener to assess your symptoms. Still, self-tests are not an official diagnosis for ADHD. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider online or in person for an official diagnosis.

What is the Cost of ADHD Medication?

The costs of ADHD medication can vary based on your insurance coverage, access to medications, and manufacturing. Brand names tend to cost more than generic medications. Telehealth platforms may also offer generic medications to meet your financial needs. Many medication manufacturers also offer patient assistance programs to help provide financial aid for those who need help covering ADHD medication.

Because of the high prevalence of children diagnosed with ADHD, many states require prior authorization before a healthcare provider can prescribe ADHD medication. 

The process of prior authorization ensures that the prescribed drug is essential for the patient receiving it. Not all states require prior authorization. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider about prescription requirements.

Generally, the cost of ADHD medication fluctuates based on availability as well. Changes in manufacturers' and insurance company policies can drastically increase the cost of brand-name medications. Generic versions of ADHD medications are often more affordable than brand-name versions.

What is the Process of Getting ADHD Medication Online?

Many telehealth platforms offer access to a licensed mental health professional who can provide you with ADHD treatment. Generally, you will have to go through the following steps:

Step 1: Do thorough research.

Many telehealth platforms offer medication prescriptions, but some may focus more on mental healthcare than others. Be sure to take your time researching which telehealth platform may be the most accessible and affordable for you before committing to treatment. Some telehealth providers may offer a free consultation.

Step 2: Meet with a licensed mental healthcare provider.

Once you find a telehealth platform you like, schedule your first visit with a licensed healthcare provider. They can help you get the ball rolling with prescriptions and other treatment options. Seeing a healthcare provider is the most important step for ensuring you are getting the right medication dosage.

A licensed healthcare provider can help you learn more about the laws and regulations around ADHD medication coverage in your state and changes you can make in your daily life to better manage ADHD symptoms.

Step 3: Pick up your medications.

Most online healthcare providers can have your medication sent to your local pharmacy. Some telehealth platforms may also be able to ship medications directly to your doorstep.

Step 4: Follow up with a healthcare provider.

It’s important to let your healthcare provider know any changes you experienced while taking the medication or if you didn’t notice any improvements.

Step 5: Make additional appointments.

After receiving medication and, in some cases, behavioral therapy to manage ADHD, it’s important to continue to check in with a healthcare provider annually. This can help them catch any major shifts in your health.

Tips for Finding the Right ADHD Medication

Finding the right medication that works for you depends on several factors, including your age, symptoms, and reactions to certain medications. Be sure to meet with a healthcare provider online or in person before starting any medications for ADHD. They can help you find the proper dosage and affordable options for treatment.

How Do You Renew ADHD Prescriptions Online?

Laws and regulations on how long an initial prescription stays valid may vary by state. When your prescription refills run out, you can contact your healthcare provider for a prescription renewal. You can also check with your pharmacist or telehealth platform to make sure you renew your prescription before you run out of refills. 

Many telehealth platforms have to adhere to additional guidelines to prescribe ADHD medications because of their status as controlled substances. Controlled substances are medications with an increased risk of misuse and addiction.

Where Can I Learn More About Treating ADHD?

At LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can provide guidance on improving your health and well-being. LifeMD works with insurance plans that cover mental health services for at least 95% of our patients. Still, there are tips and alternative options for care for people without health insurance.

Get started today by exploring accessible online options for healthcare.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

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