ADHD Medication List
Learn about medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This ADHD medication list provides information about how the drugs work, their side effects, and the length of time it takes.
Stimulants:
These drugs, such as methylphenidate (and amphetamines) aid in improving focus and reduce hyperactivity by increasing the communication between brain neurons. Because non prescription adhd medication uk can be a trigger for abuse, stimulants are regulated substances.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. These include dopamine and norepinephrine which assist people to pay attention and avoid distractions. They are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD and around 80percent of people suffering from the condition find that their symptoms get better through these medications. The majority of stimulant medications are taken as pills, however, some are available in liquid or patch form. Stimulants are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. Short-acting medications peak within a few hours and are required to be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting medicines build up slowly in the body and last for 8-12 hours.
There are many brand-name stimulants that are available, including the methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamines (Adderall, Dextroamphetamine) and lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These are controlled substances that carry the risk of abuse and addiction. A person may experience side effects, such as stomach issues or changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people experience tics which are a repeated sound or movement, like blinking eyes or clearing the throat. Stimulants can cause weight loss and lower appetite.
Non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD
The medications Wellbutrin and Strattera are regarded as "non-stimulants" because they don't function in the same way as stimulants, however, they can have an effects on symptoms. They have a lower risk for side effects, like insomnia or agitation and generally prove more effective for certain adults than stimulants. Some people are not able to take these drugs and they don't help.
Antidepressants
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when other ADHD medications don't work or if they cause too many side effects. These include atypical antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and clonidine, as well as older tricyclic antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). They aren't recommended for young children because they can produce a powerful sedative effect that can be risky.
Stimulant withdrawal
Many people who have taken ADHD medication for a long period of time abruptly stop taking it, which can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. To prevent this from happening, doctors will often reduce the dosage gradually over the course of a few weeks. If this doesn't work, patients are required to switch to a different type of medication.
If you or your children are having trouble finding a medication that works try again. Also, be open to your doctor. A majority of people must play with different dosages and formulas before they find a solution that is effective for them. To learn more about the drugs on this ADHD medication list click on a pill to view its complete description and vital information. The chart contains dosages, warnings, and important facts. The information is organized by the medication's name and is based on research published in medical journals. The chart looks best when displayed on a large monitor. Download it here. You can also print a version. The chart contains dosages, formulations and special warnings and other important facts for a variety of ADHD medications including stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin and nonstimulants such as Strattera (discontinued in 2023), Intuniv, Qelbree and Wellbutrin.