Short answer
No, when it is prescribed. ADHD medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) or amphetamine salts (Adderall, Vyvanse), taken as a qualified doctor prescribes, treat a condition and do not intoxicate at that dose, so they are allowed. Taking them without a prescription to study, party or lose weight, or above the dose, is haram.
A substance that can intoxicate or harm in large amounts may be used as medicine for a real need, in the amount that treats. Prescribed ADHD medicine is therefore permissible. Using it for a high, or without need in a way that risks harm or dependency, is forbidden.
The four schools agree on this.
Explanation
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a recognised condition that affects focus, impulse control and organisation. The Prophet ﷺ told people to seek treatment, and Allah has sent down a cure for every disease. Medicine is one of the means, alongside routines, coaching and therapy.
Stimulants are controlled drugs because they can be misused. The Hanafi scholars dealt with the same kind of question long ago: drugs like opium and banj are haram to take for pleasure, but a small amount that does not intoxicate is allowed as medicine. At a therapeutic dose, ADHD medicine does not cloud the mind; for many people it does the opposite and helps them pray, study and work with focus.
Allowed:
- taking the medicine your doctor prescribes, at the dose and times set
- adjusting the dose with your doctor during Ramadan. See does medicine break your fast
Not allowed:
- taking someone else's pills as a "study drug" before exams
- using stimulants to stay up partying, for a high, or to suppress appetite without medical advice
- taking more than prescribed, or crushing and snorting them
- selling or sharing your prescription
If a medicine is in a gelatin capsule, see gelatin in medicine. If you notice side effects, mood changes or a pull to take more, tell your prescriber. Always follow a qualified doctor, and ask a mufti if you are unsure about your own use.
Ask a mufti about your own case. This answer explains the general ruling. When the details of your situation matter, as they do here, ask a qualified mufti and give them the full facts. Where to ask a scholar.
The evidence
Quran, Surah Al-Maaida 5:90
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْخَمْرُ وَٱلْمَيْسِرُ وَٱلْأَنصَابُ وَٱلْأَزْلَٰمُ رِجْسٌۭ مِّنْ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ فَٱجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ ﴿٩٠﴾
O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.
Using a drug to intoxicate is forbidden.
Quran, Surah Al-Baqara 2:195
وَأَنفِقُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا۟ بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى ٱلتَّهْلُكَةِ ۛ وَأَحْسِنُوٓا۟ ۛ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿١٩٥﴾
And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.
Misuse that harms the body is forbidden.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5678
Sahih... ما أنزل الله داء إلا أنزل له شفاء ...
"Allah has not sent down any disease without sending down a cure for it."
Treating ADHD is seeking a lawful cure.
Sahih Muslim 2003
Sahih... كل مسكر خمر وكل مسكر حرام ...
"Every intoxicant is khamr, and every intoxicant is haram."
The line is crossed when the drug is used to intoxicate.
Where the ruling is recorded
- Radd al-Muhtar (Ibn Abidin), Kitab al-Ashriba, on banj and opium. A small, non-intoxicating amount is allowed as medicine; intoxicating use is haram.
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.