ADHD Medication List - Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin) and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse).
Tricyclics, a more traditional class of antidepressants, are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These medications can have serious side effects. Doctors usually only prescribe them when stimulants do not perform or cause unacceptable symptoms.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used medications to treat ADHD in children and adults. These drugs help by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. This helps improve concentration, reduces fatigue and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity for the majority of people who use these drugs. Stimulants can help about 70% to 80% of people suffering from ADHD improve their performance. These drugs aren't habit-forming in the doses used to treat ADHD however they are a risk for abuse and addiction. on the main page with a history of drug or alcohol abuse or an extended family history of substance abuse or mental health issues may be more susceptible to this.
The most common stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates and amphetamines. Generics are less expensive than brand-name medications and are preferred by the majority of insurance companies. Certain of these medicines are available in extended-release tablets, which can be taken once a week and last up to 16 hours. This can result in fewer "ups-and-downs" of symptoms. This is particularly beneficial for children.
Immediate-release (short-acting) stimulants begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and generally last for four hours. You can take them two or three times a day. They are usually the first medication that your doctor prescribes. Some of them are available as chewable tablets, liquids or a patch to be placed on the skin.
Intermediate and long-acting stimulants can last for up to 16 hours and are taken every day in the morning. They can stop the high levels of effectiveness that can occur when short-acting stimulation wears off and can cause extreme hunger and low levels of energy. Many people who use long-acting stimulants add a small dose of immediate-release medication to get through the late evening and afternoon.
There are a variety of possible side effects of taking stimulants to treat ADHD. These include headaches, nausea, nervousness, lack of appetite, and sleepiness. The majority of these side effects are mild to moderate, and they'll go away within a couple of weeks after your body has adjusted. Talk to your doctor when the side effects become severe or don't go away after some weeks.
Non-stimulants
There's a set of drugs that are sometimes used to treat ADHD but they're not FDA-approved for this purpose. These are referred to as non-stimulant ADHD medications and include atomoxetine (Strattera) and varenicline (Adderall XR) and bupropion (Wellbutrin). These medications are less likely to be used in a way that is harmful than stimulants, however they can cause insomnia, agitation, or anxiety.
The best way to choose the best medication for your child or yourself is to consult with your physician who will assist you in weighing the benefits and risks of each choice. Your doctor will consider your medical history, your symptoms and any other illnesses or conditions you might have. They'll also look at how each medication affects you or your child, and how it interacts with other treatments. You will need to inform your doctor of any supplements, foods or beverages you or your child consume in addition to any prescription or over-the-counter medication you're taking, including antidepressants.