ADHD Medication List
Learn about the medications that treat ADHD. Learn about the medications used to treat (ADHD). This ADHD medication list provides information about how the drugs work, side effects and how long they last.
Stimulants:
These medications -- including methylphenidate and amphetamines -- aid in focusing and reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity by increasing brain nerve communication. Because they have the potential for abuse, stimulants are regulated substances.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. These include norepinephrine and dopamine which aid people in paying attention and not be distracted. These are the most popular treatment for ADHD. About adhd medication uk of those suffering from the disorder report that they have been relieved of their symptoms with these medications. The majority of stimulant medicines are taken as pills, however, some are available in liquid or patch form. The stimulants are available in immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. Short-acting drugs peak in a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting drugs build up slowly in the body and last for between 8 and 12 hours.
There are many brand-name stimulants available, including methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamines (Adderall, Dextroamphetamine) and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). They are controlled substances that carry the risk of abuse and addiction. People may experience side effects, like stomach issues or changes in blood pressure or heart rate. adhd medications develop tics which are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Stimulants can cause weight loss and lower appetite.
Non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD
Wellbutrin, Strattera and other medications are classified as "non-stimulants" as they don't perform the same way stimulants do. However, they still can affect symptoms. They have a lower risk for side effects, like insomnia or agitation and generally prove more effective for certain adults than stimulants. However, some people may have difficulty absorbing these drugs and are not affected by these medications.
Antidepressants
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when other ADHD medications don't work or cause excessive side effects. They include atypical antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin and Clonidine, as well as older tricyclic antidepressants like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). They aren't recommended for children as they can produce a powerful sedative effect that could be harmful.
Stimulant withdrawal
Many people who have been taking ADHD medications for a long time stop taking the medication abruptly which can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms. To prevent this from happening the doctors usually reduce the dosage gradually over a few weeks. If this doesn't work, patients may require switching to a different type of medication.
If you or your children are having trouble finding a medication that works, keep trying. Also, be open to your doctor. The majority of people need to play with various dosages and formulations before they find a solution that is suitable for them. To learn more about the drugs on this ADHD medication list click on a pill to view its complete description and other important details. The chart includes dosages, warnings and other important facts. The information is arranged 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. A printable version is also available. The chart includes dosages, formulations, specific warnings and other vital information for a range of ADHD medications, including stimulants such as Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin and nonstimulants like Strattera (discontinued in 2023), Intuniv, Qelbree and Wellbutrin.