This is a list of investigational attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drugs, or drugs that are currently under development for clinical use in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but are not yet approved.
Chemical/generic names are listed first, with developmental code names, synonyms, and brand names in parentheses.
This list was last comprehensively updated in September 2021. It is likely to become outdated with time.
Under development
Preregistration ATT-377 combination treatment of methylphenidate extended-release and cyproheptadine TRN-110 [extended-release] undefined mechanism / extended-release form of an undisclosed drug
Phase 3 clinical trials Dexmethylphenidate [controlled release] (CTX-1301) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor Edivoxetine (LY-2216684) norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Molindone [extended-release] (AFX-2201, EN-1733A, molindone XR, SPN-810, SPN-810M, Zalvari) antipsychotic / dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and serotonin 5-HT2B receptor antagonist specifically under development for impulsive aggression in ADHD Serdexmethylphenidate (KP-484) dexmethylphenidate prodrug / norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor Solriamfetol (ADX-N05, ARL-N05, JZP-110, SKL-N05; Sunosi) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor
Phase 2 clinical trials CX-717 ampakine / AMPA receptor modulator Mazindol [controlled release] (NLS-0, NLS-1, NLS-10, NLS-13, NLS-2, Nolazol, Quilience) serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor PDC-1421 (BLI-1005) norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Phase 1 clinical trials AFX-2401 "neurotransmitter modulator" Atomoxetine [oral solution] (TAH-9922) norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Dextroamphetamine [abuse-deterrent immediate-release] (ADAIR) norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent
Preclinical/research Atomoxetine [oral suspension] norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Dextroamphetamine [controlled release] (CTX-1302) norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent NNI-351 DYRK1A inhibitor and "neurogenesis enhancer"
No development reported AFI-002 undefined mechanism Altropane (123-I Altropane®, [123I]-E-IACFT Injection, [123I]NAV5001, CFT, Iodine-123-E-IACFT Injection, NAV-5001, O-587) dopamine reuptake inhibitor / single-photon emission-computed tomography enhancer Amphetamine [oral abuse-deterrent immediate-release] (ADAIR) norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent Bavisant (BEN-2001, JNJ-1074, JNJ-31001074) histamine H3 receptor antagonist BCWP-E003 undefined mechanism BLI-1008 undefined mechanism Brilaroxazine (RP-5000, RP-5063) atypical antipsychotic / dopamine receptor partial agonist and serotonin receptor modulator Cannabidiol/gabapentin (Cannbleph) cannabinoid receptor modulator and gabapentinoid Ciforadenant (CPI-444, V-81444) adenosine A2A receptor antagonist CM-4612 (CM-ADHD, CM-AT, CM-PK) gastrointestinal/pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy CRD-102 undefined mechanism Dasotraline (DSP-225289, SEP-225289, SEP-0225289, SEP-225289-HCI, SEP-289) serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor Dextroamphetamine [abuse-resistant] (PF-08, PFR 08001, PFR08026) – norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent Dextroamphetamine sulfate [modified release capsules] (HLD-900, HLD-100) norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent Dopamine [intranasal] (DopaMat, MPP-18) dopamine receptor agonist Eltoprazine (DU-28853) serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor agonist Fasoracetam [co-crystallised] (AEVI-004, NFC-1) racetam / metabotropic glutamate receptor modulator GTS-21 (DMXB-A, DMXB-A sustained release, DMXB-A-SR) α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist Guanfacine [once-daily] (Guanfacine Carrier Wave, SPD-547) α2-adrenergic receptor agonist IPX-233 (IPX233 ER C0003, IPX233-C0001, IPX233-C0002, IPX233-T0001, IPX233-T0002) central nervous system stimulant Masupirdine (M1, M1 of SUVN-502, SUVN-502, SVN-502) serotonin 5-HT6 receptor antagonist Methylphenidate [extended-release/abuse-resistant] (COL-171) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor Methylphenidate [fast dissolve tablet] [Samyang Holdings Biopharmaceuticals] norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor Methylphenidate [transdermal system] (SHX-009) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor Methylphenidate/naltrexone (AVK-001) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor and opioid receptor antagonist Nic-12 undefined mechanism NLS-2 antianaemic / heavy metal / iron replacement PD-3044 dopamine reuptake inhibitor Pitolisant (tiprolisant; BF-2.649, BF-2649, Ozawade, Wakix) histamine H3 receptor antagonist R-Sibutramine metabolite ((+)-desmethylsibutramine, (+)-didesmethylsibutramine, R-DDMS, R-desmethylsibutramine, R-didesmethylsibutramine) serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor Selegiline [transdermal] (Emsam) monoamine oxidase B inhibitor SKL-13865 (SKL-ADHD) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor Sofinicline (A-422894.0, ABT-894) α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor modulator SPN-811 undefined mechanism Taminadenant (NIR-178, PBF-509) adenosine A2A receptor antagonist
Research programmes Ampakines / AMPA receptor modulators [RespireRx] (CX-516, CX-614, CX-707, CX-929, CX-1501, CX-1763, CX-1796, CX-1837, CX-1846, CX-1942, CX-2007, CX-2076) Cannabis extracts [Cannabis Science] (CBIS GAP-001, CBIS LC-001, CBIS OBLD-001, CBIS OCD-001, CBIS PC-001, CBIS PPC-001, CBIS PS-001, CBIS SD-001, CBIS SSA-001, CBIS-OS-001, CBIS-PTSD-001, CS NEURO 1, CS-S/BCC-1, CS-TATI-1) cannabinoid receptor modulators Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors / adrenergic receptor antagonists [Pfizer] (NRI-022, NRI-193, WAY-253203, WAY-256805, WAY-260022, WAY-315193, WAY-318068) Pim2 / PolyPhetamine [ITL Pharma] Subtype-selective glutamate NMDA receptor modulators / glutamate NR2B receptor modulators [Novartis]
Not under development
Development discontinued ABT-418 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist Amphetamine [transdermal patch] [Noven/Takeda] norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent Ampreloxetine (TD-9855) norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor AR-08 adrenergic receptor agonist Aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify MyCite, Abilitat, Ao Pai, Aripiprazole depot, Aripiprazole ECER tablets, Arlemide; OPC-14597, OPC-14597 IMD, OPC-31) atypical antipsychotic / dopamine receptor partial agonist and serotonin receptor modulator AZD-5213 histamine H3 receptor antagonist Bifemelane (SON-216) monoamine oxidase inhibitor and weak norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Bradanicline (ATA-101, TC-0569, TC-5619, TC-5619-238) α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist Brexpiprazole (Rexulti, Rxulti; Lu-AF41156, OPC-34712, OPDC-34712) atypical antipsychotic / dopamine receptor partial agonist and serotonin receptor modulator Buspirone [transdermal] (BuSpar Patch) serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist, other actions Cipralisant (GT-2331; Perceptin) histamine H3 receptor antagonist CX-516 (1-BCP, AMPAlex, BDP-12, SPD-420) ampakine / AMPA receptor modulator CX-1739 ampakine / AMPA receptor modulator Donepezil (Aricept, Aricept D, Aricept Dry Syrup, Aricept Evess, Aricept ODT, Aricept SR, Donepezil SR, E-2020, E-2022, Eranz) acetylcholinesterase inhibitor Droxidopa (3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine, 3,4-threo-DOPS, L-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine, L-threodops, Northera, threo-dopaserine, threo-DOPS) prodrug of norepinephrine / adrenergic receptor agonist Fasoracetam (AEVI-001, LAM-105, MDGN-001, NFC-1, NS-105) racetam / metabotropic glutamate receptor modulator Ispronicline (AZD-3480, RJR-1734, TC 01734, TC-1734, TC-1734-112) α4β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist KP-106 (dextroamphetamine prodrug oral film) norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent Lauflumide (flmodafinil, bisfluoromodafinil; NLS-14, NLS-4) weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor, possibly other actions Manifaxine (BW-1555U88, GW-320659) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor Mecamylamine (Inversine, Tridmac) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist MEM-68626 5-HT6 receptor antagonist Metadoxine [sustained/extended-release] (pyridoxine-pyrrolidone carboxylate, pyridoxine pidolate; MDX, metadoxine SR, MG-01CI) serotonin 5-HT2B receptor antagonist, GABA modulator, other actions Methylphenidate [transdermal patch] (TAH-9901) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitorhttps://adisinsight.springer.com/drugs/800053853 MK-0249 histamine H3 receptor antagonist Modafinil (AFT-801, Alertec, Attenace, CN-801, CRL-40476, Modasamil, Modasonil, Modavigil, Modiodal, Provigil, Sparlon, Vigil) weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor, possibly other actions Nicotine/opipramol (ND-0801; opipramol/nicotine) tricyclic antidepressant / monoamine and sigma receptor modulator and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist NLS-8(melafenoxate) undefined mechanism NS-2359 (GSK-372475) serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor OPC-64005 serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor ORG-26576 (ORG26576) ampakine / AMPA receptor modulator PF-3654746 (PF-03654746) histamine H3 receptor antagonist Phacetoperane (NLS-3) methylphenidate analogue / central nervous system stimulant / norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (?) Pirepemat (IRL-752) "cortical enhancer" / serotonin 5-HT7 receptor antagonist and α2C-adrenergic receptor antagonist, other actions Pozanicline (A-87089.0, ABT-089) α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist SEP-225432 serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor SGS-742 (CGP-36742, DVD-742, Lu-AE58479, SGS-742) GABAB receptor antagonist SPD-483 undefined mechanism SPD-554 (Guanfacine Carrier Wave project) α2-adrenergic receptor agonist SPI-339 (NEO-339) undefined mechanism TAK-137 AMPA receptor potentiator TC-6683 (AZD 1446, TC-6683) α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist Tipepidine [sustained-release] (TS-141) GIRK inhibitor Vortioxetine (Brintellix, LU-AA21004, LuAA 21004, Trintellix) antidepressant / serotonin reuptake inhibitor and serotonin receptor modulator
Research programmes Potassium channel modulators [Astellas Pharma/Icagen]
Formal development never or not yet started Dopamine precursors (L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, L-DOPA (levodopa))
Clinically used drugs
Approved drugs Norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agents (NDRAs) Amphetamine (Adzenys ER, Adzenys XR-ODT, Dyanavel XR, Evekeo, Evekeo ODT) Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Zenzedi, Xelstrym) Fenethylline (Biocapton, Captagon, Fitton) amphetamine and theophylline prodrug discontinued/no longer used Levoamphetamine (Cydril) discontinued/no longer used Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse, Tyvense, Venvanse, Vyvanse) dextroamphetamine prodrug Methamphetamine (dextromethamphetamine; Desoxyn, Methampex) Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis) Pemoline (Betanamin, Ceractiv, Cylert, Tradon) withdrawn/discontinued due to toxicity
Norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR) Methylphenidate (Adhansia XR, Aptensio XR, Benjorna, Biphentin, Concerta, Cotempla XR-ODT, Daytrana, Equasym, Foquest, Jornay PM, Metadate, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methydur, MethyPatch, Oradur, QuilliChew ER, Quillivant XR, Ritalin, Ritalin SR) Serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate (Azstarys)
Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) Atomoxetine (atomoxetine; Strattera) Viloxazine [extended-release] (Qelbree)
Serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitors (SNDRIs) Centanafadine [sustained-release] (centanafadine SR, Simtriyo; CTN-SR, EB-1020, EB-1020 SR)
α2-Adrenergic receptor agonists Clonidine (Catapres, CloniBID, Clonicel, Jenloga XR, Kapvay) Guanfacine (Connexyn, Intuniv, Intuniv XR, Tenex)
Off-label drugs Bupropion (Wellbutrin) norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist Modafinil (Provigil) atypical dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI), possibly other actions Reboxetine (Edronax) norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI)