ADHD Medication List
Learn about the medications that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This ADHD medication list includes information about how the drugs work, side effects and how long they last.
Stimulants:
These drugs, such as methylphenidate (and amphetamines) aid in improving concentration and decrease hyperactivity by enhancing the brain's ability to communicate. They are controlled substances as they are abused.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. They include norepinephrine and dopamine, which help people pay attention and avoid distractions. These are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD and approximately 80% of people with the condition report that their symptoms are relieved by these drugs. The majority of stimulant medicines are taken as pills, however, some are available in liquid or patch form. The stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release forms. Short-acting drugs peak within a few hours and must be taken 3 times a day. dealing with adhd without medication -acting drugs build slowly in the body, lasting 8-12 hours.
A variety of stimulants are sold under brand names, including methylphenidates, amphetamines, Dextroamphetamine, and lisdexafetamine, also known as Vyvanse. These are controlled substances with the possibility of addiction and abuse. A person may experience side effects, like stomach issues or changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people also develop tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Stimulants can cause weight loss and reduce appetite.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD
Drugs such as Wellbutrin and Strattera are considered to be "non-stimulants" because they do not work in the same way as stimulants, however they have an effects on symptoms. These drugs have a lower risk for side effects, such as agitation or insomnia and are generally more effective for some adults than stimulants. Some people are not able to tolerate these medications and they don't help.
Antidepressants
If other ADHD medicines aren't working or cause unacceptably adverse effects, doctors may prescribe antidepressants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, too. They include atypical antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin and Clonidine, and older tricyclic antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). They are not usually recommended for young children because they can produce a powerful sedative effect, which can be harmful.
Stimulant withdrawal
Many people who have been taking ADHD medications for a period of time stop taking the medication abruptly, which can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this, doctors often gradually decrease the dosage over a period of time. If this doesn't work for you, patients need to switch to a different drug.
If you or your child are trying to find a medication that works, try again and keep in contact with your doctor. Most people need to experiment with different dosages and formulas until they discover a treatment that works for them. Click on the pill to read its complete description. The chart includes dosages, warnings and other important information. The information is organized in accordance with the name of the drug and is based on research published in medical journal. The chart looks best when displayed on a large monitor. You can download it here. A printable version is available. The chart includes dosages, formulations and special warnings, and other pertinent information for a variety of ADHD medications including stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin and nonstimulants like Strattera (discontinued in 2023), Intuniv, Qelbree and Wellbutrin.