ADHD Medication List
Learn about medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This ADHD medication list includes information about how the drugs work, side effects and how long it lasts.
Stimulants:
These drugs, such as methylphenidate (and amphetamines) aid in improving focus and reduce hyperactivity by increasing communication between brain neurons. Because they are prone for misuse, stimulants are controlled substances.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain. These include dopamine and norepinephrine which aid people in paying attention and ignore distractions. These drugs are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Around 88% of those suffering from the condition say that they have been relieved of their symptoms due to these drugs. Certain stimulant medicines are available in patches or liquids and others are ingested in pill form. The stimulants are available in immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. Short-acting medications reach their peak within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting medicines are absorbed slowly by the body, lasting from 8 to 12 hours.
There are numerous brands of stimulants, such as methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamines (Adderall, Dextroamphetamine) and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These are controlled substances with the possibility of addiction and abuse. A person may experience side effects, including stomach problems or changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people experience tics which are a repeated sound or movement, like blinking eyes or clearing the throat. Stimulants also reduce appetites and can cause people to lose weight.
Non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD
Wellbutrin, Strattera and other drugs are categorized as "non-stimulants" as they don't function in the same way that stimulants do. However, they can affect symptoms. They have a lower risk for side effects, like insomnia or agitation, and are generally more effective for some adults than stimulants. However, some people may have difficulty absorbing these drugs and are not affected by them.
Antidepressants
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder if other ADHD medication fail or cause too many side effects. These include atypical and tricyclic antidepressants, like Wellbutrin, the phenelzine and clonidine. They are not usually advised for children under the age of five because they can cause a strong sedative effect, which can be dangerous.
Stimulant withdrawal
Many people who have been taking ADHD medications for a period of time quit the medication at a moment's notice which can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this the doctors usually reduce the dosage gradually over a couple of weeks. If this doesn't help, some patients may need to switch to a different kind of medication.
If you or your children are having trouble finding a medication that works try again. Also, be best adhd medication for adults to your doctor. The majority of people need to play with different dosages and formulas before they find a solution that works for them. To learn more about the medications on this ADHD medication list Click on a drug to see its full description and other important details. The chart contains dosages, special warnings and other important facts. The information is organized in accordance with the name of the medication and is based upon research published in medical journal. The chart looks best when displayed on an enormous monitor. You can download it here. A printable version is also available. The chart provides dosages, formulations and warnings for various ADHD medications. These include stimulants such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, and nonstimulants such as Strattera, Intuniv (which will be removed in 2023), Qelbree, and Wellbutrin.