ADHD Medication List - Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin) and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse).
Doctors also sometimes prescribe older types of antidepressants, tricyclics, to treat ADHD. These medications can cause severe adverse effects. Doctors usually only prescribe them when stimulants do not perform or cause unacceptable symptoms.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating ADHD in both adults and children. These medications increase the amount of dopamine that is present in your brain. This helps improve concentration, reduces fatigue and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity for the majority of people who use these drugs. Around 70% to 80 percent of those with ADHD can benefit from stimulants. These drugs aren't habit-forming in the doses that are used to treat ADHD however they could be a source for abuse and addiction. If you have a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol or those who come from a family that has a history of substance abuse or mental health issues may be more at risk.
Amphétamines as well as methylphenidates are the most common stimulants used in treating ADHD. Most of these medicines are available as generics, which cost less than brand-name drugs and are preferred by many insurance companies. Certain of these medicines are offered in extended-release tablets which you can take once each week for up to 16 hours. This can result in fewer "ups-and-downs" of symptoms. dealing with adhd without medication is especially helpful for children.
The stimulants that are immediate-release (short acting) begin to work in 30 to 45 minutes. They last for about four hours. You can take them two or three times per day. Most often, they are the first prescription medication your doctor prescribes. Some of them are available as chewable tablets, liquid or patches that are placed on the skin.
Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are usually consumed every day in the morning. They can last up to 16 hours. They can help prevent the dips and peaks in effectiveness that occur when short-acting stimulants lose their effectiveness and cause extreme hunger and low energy. Many people who take long-acting stimulants may supplement them with a small amount immediate-release medication in the afternoon and evening.
There are a variety of possible side effects that can be triggered by taking stimulants to treat ADHD such as headaches, stomachaches, nervousness loss of appetite, and sleepiness. The majority of these side effects are moderate to mild and go away after a few weeks as your body adjusts. Consult your physician in the event that the side effects are severe or don't disappear after several weeks.
Non-stimulants
There's a class of medications that is sometimes used to treat ADHD, although they're not FDA-approved for this use. These are referred to as non-stimulant ADHD medications and include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as varenicline (Adderall XR) and bupropion (Wellbutrin). The majority of these medications carry a lower risk for misuse than stimulants, yet they can still lead to anxiety, insomnia, or agitation.
Talk to your doctor about how you assess the risks and benefits of each medication alternative. Your doctor will take into consideration your medical history, the severity of your symptoms, as well as any other conditions or illnesses you may have. They will also look at the effects each medication has on your child or you, and how it works with other treatments. You'll have to inform your doctor about any food, beverages or supplements you or your child consumes and whether you're taking any other medications, whether prescription or over the counter such as antidepressants.