Ryan S. Sultan, MD

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ADHD medication naming follows generic (methylphenidate) and brand names (Ritalin). Stimulants include amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta). Non-stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera).

Why We Don't Call ADHD Medications "Stimulants" Anymore

Understanding Neuroscience-Based Medication Names

A common concern from parents: "My child can't sit still—why would you give her a STIMULANT? Won't that make her more hyper?"

The Problem with "Stimulants"

For decades, ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall have been called "stimulants". This name is confusing and misleading:

"Stimulant" sounds like it will make you MORE active - Parents naturally worry about giving a "stimulant" to a child who already struggles with hyperactivity
It doesn't explain HOW the medication works - The name tells you nothing about the brain science
It creates stigma - "Stimulant" sounds like a drug of abuse, not medicine
It's not even accurate - These medications don't "stimulate" children with ADHD—they normalize brain function

The Better Way: Neuroscience-Based Names

What ADHD Medications Actually Do

ADHD medications don't "stimulate" your brain randomly. They work by targeting specific neurotransmitter systems:

Old Name: "Stimulant"

New Name: Dopamine and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor & Releaser

What It Means: These medications block transporters for dopamine and norepinephrine (two brain chemicals involved in attention and impulse control) and cause their release, which helps these systems work better in people with ADHD.

Examples:

Medication	Old Name	Neuroscience-Based Name
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin)	"Stimulant"	Dopamine & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor & Releaser
Amphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine)	"Stimulant"	Dopamine & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor & Releaser
Atomoxetine (Strattera)	"Non-stimulant"	Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
Guanfacine (Intuniv)	"Non-stimulant"	Norepinephrine (alpha-2A) Receptor Agonist

How to Explain ADHD Medications Using Neuroscience

The Better Explanation for Families:

Step 1: Explain ADHD Brain Science
"ADHD involves problems with two brain chemical systems: dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals help control attention, impulse control, and executive function. In ADHD, these systems don't work as efficiently as they should."

Step 2: Connect the Medication to the Science
"The medication we're prescribing blocks the transporters that remove dopamine and norepinephrine from the synapse (the space between brain cells). This allows these chemicals to work more effectively. It also helps release more of these chemicals when needed."

Step 3: Address the 'Stimulant' Concern
"I know these medications used to be called 'stimulants,' but that's actually a misleading name. They don't make you MORE active—they help the brain systems that control attention and impulse control work BETTER. That's why children with ADHD can focus better and sit still more easily when taking them."

Why This Matters for ADHD

1. It Makes Logical Sense

When you explain ADHD as a dopamine/norepinephrine problem, it makes sense to use a medication that targets those systems. The treatment logically follows from the diagnosis.

2. It Reduces Stigma

"Stimulant" sounds like a drug of abuse. "Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor" sounds like medicine—because that's what it is.

3. It Helps Parents Understand Why Medication Helps

Instead of the paradox of "stimulants calming down a hyper child," parents understand that the medication normalizes underactive brain systems.

4. It Explains Why Different Medications Work Differently

Atomoxetine (Strattera) only targets norepinephrine, while methylphenidate and amphetamines target both dopamine and norepinephrine. Understanding the mechanisms helps families understand treatment choices.

Real Clinical Example

Parent's Concern: "My 8-year-old daughter can't sit still, she's constantly moving, and she's impulsive. I read that you might prescribe a stimulant for ADHD, but that doesn't make any sense! She's already overstimulated!"

Old Explanation: "Yes, we prescribe stimulants for ADHD. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but they actually help children focus and calm down."
(Parent remains confused and skeptical)

Better Explanation Using Neuroscience: "ADHD involves underactivity in the brain systems that use dopamine and norepinephrine—these are chemicals that help with attention, impulse control, and being able to sit still. The medication we use blocks the transporters that remove these chemicals, which allows them to work better. It's not 'stimulating' her brain to be more active—it's helping the brain systems that control attention and impulses work more efficiently. That's why children with ADHD can focus better and have better self-control when taking it."

Result: Parent understands the logic, feels confident in the treatment plan, and the child benefits from medication.

What is Neuroscience-Based Nomenclature (NbN)?

This new approach to naming medications is part of a larger international effort called Neuroscience-based Nomenclature (NbN), developed by leading neuroscience organizations worldwide.

NbN replaces outdated names like:

"Stimulants" → Dopamine & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
"Antidepressants" → Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (or other specific mechanisms)
"Antipsychotics" → Dopamine Receptor Antagonists (or other specific mechanisms)

→ Learn More About Neuroscience-Based Nomenclature

Dr. Sultan's Research on NbN

Publication: Sultan, R. S., Correll, C. U., Zohar, J., Zalsman, G., & Veenstra-VanderWeele, J. (2018). "What's in a Name? Moving to Neuroscience-based Nomenclature in Pediatric Psychopharmacology." Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 57(10), 719-721.

Read the full publication

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