ADHD Medication List
Learn about medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This ADHD medication list contains information on how the medications work, side effects and how long it lasts.
Stimulants:
These drugs -- such as methylphenidate and amphetamines -- aid in focusing and reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity by boosting brain nerve communication. These are controlled substances since they are abused.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. They include norepinephrine and dopamine which aid people in paying attention and not be distracted. They are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD and approximately 80percent of people suffering from the condition find that their symptoms get better through these medications. Most stimulant medications are taken in pill form, however, some are available in patch or liquid form. Stimulants are available in immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. Short-acting drugs reach their peak within a couple of hours and must be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting medications are absorbed slowly by the body, lasting 8-12 hours.
Many stimulants are available under brand names, such as amphetamines, methylphenidates Dextroamphetamine and lisdexafetamine also known as Vyvanse. They are controlled substances that carry the danger of addiction and abuse. best medication for adhd may experience side effects such as stomach problems, changes in blood pressure or heart rate. adult adhd medication uk develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. They also reduce appetites and can cause people to lose weight.
Non-stimulant medication for ADHD
The medications Wellbutrin and Strattera are considered to be "non-stimulants" because they do not work in the same way as stimulants do, but they do have some effects on symptoms. These medications are less likely to cause negative side effects, such as agitation and insomnia. They are more effective for adults. However, some people have difficulties absorbing these medications and are not affected by them.
Antidepressants
If other ADHD treatments do not work or cause unacceptable adverse effects, doctors may prescribe antidepressants for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well. These include atypical antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Clonidine, as well as older tricyclic antidepressants like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These drugs are not recommended for children younger than the age of 10 as they may create a sedative reaction that could be harmful.
Stimulant withdrawal
Many people who have been taking ADHD medication for a long time suddenly stop taking it, which may result in severe withdrawal symptoms. To prevent this from happening doctors typically reduce the dosage over a period of weeks. If this doesn't help, some patients may need to switch to another type of medication.
If you or your child are struggling to find a medication that helps, keep trying and be in constant contact with your doctor. adult adhd medication uk need to experiment with different dosages and formulations until they find a treatment that works for them. To learn more about medications on this ADHD medication list Click on a drug to see its full description and vital information. The chart includes dosages, warnings and other important information. The information is organized according to the name of the drug and is based upon research published in medical journals. The chart is best viewed on a large screen. Download it here. You can also print a copy. The chart provides dosages, formulations and special warnings and other important facts for a variety of ADHD medications that include stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin and nonstimulants such as Strattera (discontinued in 2023), Intuniv, Qelbree and Wellbutrin.