Yes, Adderall is a controlled substance (as well as its offspring - Vyvanse). So is Ritalin and all the other medications in the methylphenidate family. Strattera is the only actually approved med for ADHD that is not a stimulant, but some other antidepressants can be an option.
Some of the stimulant medications are designed so that they can not be abused. Concerta is one - it has an actual mechanism that dispenses the drug over time. Vyvanse is a pro-drug meaning that it HAS to be activated by digestive enzymes to work (can't be ground up and abused, injected, etc).
Strattera and antidepressants will take 4-6 weeks to have a measurable effect, whereas stimulants can make a difference right away. Used appropriately (at the correct dose) they are very unlikely to be addictive. Some people are concerned about putting their children on antidepressants because of the "black box" warning concerning potential increase in suicidal thoughts.
There are some other parents here that have had some success with other medications like Tenex and clonidine - they would be the best people to share their experiences. I am 33 and on a combination of Prozac, Wellbutrin and Concerta (long acting methylphenidate).
Good luck!
Is there any ADHD medication that is not a controlled substance? From what I have read, Adderall is a controlled substance. My son's father says its not. First, is it and secondly, is there any meds that are not a controlled substance?
Thanks in Advance!
Straterra isn't a controlled substance because it's not a stimulant. What that means, practically speaking, is that you can have prescriptions for called in by your doctor and you can get refills. With a controlled substance, you always need to bring in the paper script each month.