ADHD Medication Conversion Calculator
The ADHD Medication Conversion Calculator estimates equivalent daily doses based on standard clinical potency ratios. This tool helps clinicians and patients approximate the therapeutic effect when switching between stimulant medications or formulations. Whether you are transitioning from methylphenidate to amphetamine salts or converting between immediate-release and extended-release versions, this tool provides a safe starting point for discussion.
Understanding stimulant equivalence is crucial for safe medication management. The ADHD Medication Conversion Calculator estimates the equivalent dose by applying established clinical potency ratios between different ADHD medications. This tool helps patients and providers visualize the difference in milligram strength when switching drugs, ensuring the new prescription provides a similar therapeutic effect.
How Equivalent Dose Is Calculated
Target Dose = Current Dose × Conversion Ratio
Where:
- Target Dose = The estimated mg/day for the new medication
- Current Dose = The total daily mg of the existing medication
- Conversion Ratio = The clinical potency factor derived from standard psychopharmacology references
The calculator determines the conversion ratio by comparing the relative potency of the two drugs. For example, amphetamine salts are generally estimated to be twice as potent as methylphenidate. The tool applies this ratio to the current dose to find the mathematically equivalent dose.
If the Conservative method is selected, the result is multiplied by 0.7. This "start low, go slow" approach accounts for individual sensitivities and reduces the statistical association with side effects during the transition.
What Your Result Means
The calculated equivalent dose serves as a starting reference point for your healthcare provider. Because metabolism varies, the number on the screen is an estimate, not a definitive prescription.
For Standard Conversions: The calculator provides a 1:1 potency match. This is often used when switching between similar formulations (e.g., Adderall IR to Adderall XR) or for patients who have shown tolerance to both drug classes.
For Conservative Starts: The result is 30% lower than the standard equivalent. This is recommended for pediatric patients, elderly patients, or those sensitive to side effects, allowing the body to adjust to the new medication gradually.
Calculation logic verified using publicly available standards.
View our Accuracy & Reliability Framework →