ADHD Medication List
Learn about medications that treat attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD). This ADHD medication list contains details about how the drugs work, their side effects and how long they last.
Stimulants:
These drugs -- such as amphetamines and methylphenidate aid in improving focus and reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity through enhancing brain nerve communication. Because they can be a trigger for abuse, stimulants are regulated substances.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine are among the most popular stimulants and they can help people focus and ignore distractions. These are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD and around 90% of those suffering from the condition report that their symptoms get better by these medications. Most stimulant medications are taken as pills however some are available in a liquid or patch form. Stimulants are available in immediate-release and long-release forms. Short-acting medications reach their peak within a few hours and need to be taken 2-3x per day. Long-acting drugs develop slowly in the body, lasting 8-12 hours.
There are many brands of stimulants, such as the methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamines (Adderall, Dextroamphetamine) and lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These are controlled substances that have the possibility of addiction and abuse. People may experience side effects, including stomach problems or changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people experience tics which is a continuous movement or sound, like blinking eyes or clearing the throat. Stimulants can also result in weight loss and decrease appetite.
Non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD
Wellbutrin, Strattera and other drugs are categorized as "non-stimulants" due to the fact that they don't work the same way stimulants do. However, they still have an effect on symptoms. They have a lower risk for side effects, like insomnia or agitation and generally prove more effective for some adults than stimulants. However, some people have difficulty absorbing these drugs and are not affected by them.
Antidepressants
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder if other ADHD treatments don't work, or if they produce excessive side effects. These include atypical antidepressants like Wellbutrin and Clonidine, as well as older tricyclic antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). They are not 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 medication for a long time suddenly stop taking it, which can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. To prevent adult adhd medication uk from happening doctors often cut the dosage gradually over a few weeks. If this doesn't work some patients, they may need to switch to a different type of medication.
If you or your child are trying to find a medicine that can help, keep trying and have open communication with your doctor. The majority of people have to experiment with different dosages and formulations until they find a treatment that is effective for them. To find out more about the drugs listed on this ADHD medication list Click on a drug to see its full description and other important details. The chart provides dosages, warnings and other important information. The information is organized by the name of the medication and is based on research that has been published in medical journals. The chart is best viewed on a large screen. Download it here. You can also print a version. The chart includes dosages, formulations, and warnings for a variety of ADHD medications. These include stimulants such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, and nonstimulants like Strattera, Intuniv (which will be discontinued in 2023), Qelbree, and Wellbutrin.