ADHD Medication List - Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two brain chemicals. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin) and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse).
Doctors also sometimes prescribe older classes of antidepressants known as tricyclics to treat ADHD. However, these medications can cause serious side effects, which is why doctors typically only recommend them when stimulants do not work or cause intolerable side effects.
Stimulants
The most popular medication used to treat ADHD in adults and children is stimulants. These drugs help by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This helps improve concentration, reduces fatigue, and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity for the majority of people who use them. Stimulants can help about 70 percent to 80% people suffering from ADHD improve their performance. They don't cause addiction in the doses used to treat ADHD, but they do have a potential for abuse and addiction. People with an history of substance or alcohol abuse, or a family history of substance or mental health issues may be at higher risk for this.
my response as methylphenidates are the most common stimulants used in treating ADHD. Generics are cheaper than brand-name drugs and are preferred by the majority of insurance companies. Certain of these medicines are offered in extended-release tablets that you can take one time every week and last for up to 16 hrs. This may result in fewer "ups and downs" of symptoms, which is particularly beneficial for children in school.
Immediate-release (short-acting) stimulants begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and generally last for around four hours. You can take them two or three times daily. They are typically the first type of medication your doctor prescribes. Some of these medicines are available in liquid, chewable tablets or patches that go on the skin.
Intermediate and long-acting stimulants are typically taken once a day in the morning. They can last up to 16 hours. They can help prevent the peaks in effectiveness that occur after the short-acting stimulation has slowed down and can cause extreme hunger and a lack of energy. Many people who take long-acting stimulants supplement them by taking a small amount of immediate-release medication in the afternoon and evening.
There are many possible negative effects that can be triggered by taking stimulants to treat ADHD. These include nausea, headaches, nervousness, lack of appetite, and sleepiness. Most of these side effects are mild to moderate and disappear after a few weeks as your body adjusts. Talk to your doctor when the side effects become severe or don't go away after a few weeks.
Non-stimulants
These medications are called non-stimulant ADHD medicines and include atomoxetine (Strattera), varenicline (Adderall XR) and bupropion. These are referred to as non-stimulant ADHD medication and include atomoxetine, varenicline and bupropion. These medications are less likely to be misused than stimulants but can cause insomnia, agitation or anxiety.
Talk to your doctor about how you assess the risks and benefits of each medication option. Your doctor will consider your medical history, symptoms and any other illnesses or conditions you may have. They'll also look at how each medication affects your child or you, and how well it works with other treatments. You must inform your doctor about any supplements, foods or drinks you or your child take and any prescription or non-prescription medications you're taking, such as antidepressants.