ADHD Medication List
Learn about the medications that treat ADHD. Learn about the medications used to treat (ADHD). This ADHD medication list contains information on how the drugs work, their side effects and how long they last.
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These drugs -- such as methylphenidate and amphetamines -- help improve focus and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity by increasing communication between brain nerves. These are controlled substances since they can be misused.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. These include dopamine and norepinephrine, which help people pay attention and ignore distractions. These drugs are the most common treatments for ADHD. Around 88% of those suffering from the condition report that they are relieved from their symptoms due to these drugs. Most stimulant medications are taken as pills however, some are available in liquid or patch form. Stimulants are available as extended-release and immediate-release formulations. Short-acting drugs reach their peak in a matter of hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting medicines build slowly in the body, lasting between 8 and 12 hours.
There are many brand-name stimulants that are available, including methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamines (Adderall, Dextroamphetamine) and lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These are controlled substances with the potential for abuse and addiction. People may experience side effects, such as stomach issues or changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain sufferers also develop tics, which are repetitive sounds or movements like eye blinking or clearing the throat. Stimulants also reduce appetites and can cause people to lose weight.
Non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD
The medications Wellbutrin and Strattera are considered to be "non-stimulants" because they don't work in the same way as stimulants, but they do have some effect on symptoms. They have a lower risk of causing side effects, like insomnia or agitation and generally are more effective for certain adults than stimulants. Some people are not able to take these medications and do not help.
Antidepressants
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when other ADHD treatments don't work or cause too many adverse effects. These include atypical antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Clonidine, as well as older tricyclic antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These drugs are not advised for children under the age of 10 as they may cause a 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 cause serious withdrawal symptoms. To prevent this from happening, doctors often gradually decrease the dosage over a time of time. If this doesn't work for you, patients need to switch to a different type of drug.
If you or your child are trying to find a medication that works, try again and keep in contact with your doctor. The majority of people have to experiment with different dosages and formulas until they discover a treatment that is effective for them. Click on the pill to read the full description. The chart contains dosages, warnings, and important facts. The information is organized according to the name of the drug and is based on research published in medical journals. The chart is best seen on large screens. Download it here. You can also print a version. The chart includes dosages, formulations and special warnings for a range of ADHD medications. These include stimulants such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, and nonstimulants such as Strattera, Intuniv (which will be discontinued in 2023), Qelbree, and Wellbutrin.