ADHD Medication List
Learn about the medications that treat attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD). This ADHD medication list includes information on how the medications perform, the side effects they cause and the length of time it takes.
Stimulants:
These medications -- including amphetamines and methylphenidate help improve focus and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity by increasing communication between brain nerves. Stimulants are controlled substances because they can be misused.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. These include norepinephrine and dopamine, which help people pay attention and ignore distractions. These are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD and around 80percent of people suffering from the condition find that their symptoms get better by these medications. Certain stimulant medicines are available in liquid or patch form and others are ingested as pills. Stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. Short-acting drugs reach their peak within a couple of hours and should be taken 2-3x per day. Long-acting medications build slowly in the body, lasting from 8 to 12 hours.
Numerous stimulants are available under brand names, including methylphenidates, amphetamines, Dextroamphetamine and lisdexafetamine also known as Vyvanse. These are controlled substances that pose a danger of addiction and abuse. Certain people may experience side effects like stomach problems or changes in heart rate or blood pressure. Read Home Page develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. Stimulants can result in weight loss and decrease appetite.
Non-stimulant medication for ADHD
Wellbutrin, Strattera and other medications are classified as "non-stimulants" due to the fact that they don't work in the same way as stimulants do. However, they still have an effect on symptoms. These medications are less likely to trigger adverse effects like agitation and insomnia. They are efficient for adults. Some people are unable to tolerate these medications and they are not helpful.
Antidepressants
If other ADHD treatments aren't working or cause unacceptably side effects, doctors can prescribe antidepressants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, too. They include atypical antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin and clonidine, as well as older tricyclic antidepressants like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). They are not recommended for children as they can have a powerful sedative effect that can be harmful.
Stimulant withdrawal
Many people who take ADHD medication for a long time suddenly stop taking it, which can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. To prevent this, doctors will often reduce the dosage gradually over a couple of weeks. If this doesn't help some patients, they may have to switch to a different type of medication.
If you or your child is struggling to find a medication that can help, keep trying and keep in contact with your doctor. Most people will have to test different dosages and formulations until they find a solution that works for them. To find out more about the drugs listed on this ADHD medication list, click on a pill to read its full description and other important details. The chart includes dosages, warnings and other important facts. The information is organized according to the name of the drug and is based upon research published in medical journals. The chart looks best on a large monitor. You can download it here. You can also print a copy. The chart includes dosages, formulations and special warnings for a range of ADHD medications. These include stimulants such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin as well as non-stimulants like Strattera, Intuniv (which will be removed in 2023), Qelbree, and Wellbutrin.