What Is The Reason ADHD Medication List Is Right For You?
ADHD Medication List
Learn about the various medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This ADHD medication list provides information on how the medications work, side effects and the length of time it takes.
Stimulants:
These drugs, such as methylphenidate (and amphetamines), help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity by enhancing communication between brain neurons. They are controlled substances as they can be abused.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine comprise two of the most common stimulants, and they aid in focusing and avoid distractions. These are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Around 80percent of people with the condition report that they have less of their symptoms with these medications. Most stimulant medications are taken as pills, however, some are available in patch or liquid form. The stimulants are available in extended-release and immediate-release forms. Short-acting drugs peak in a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting medications are slowly absorbed by the body and last for 8-12 hours.
There are numerous brands of stimulants, such as the methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamines (Adderall, Dextroamphetamine) and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). These are controlled substances that pose a danger of addiction and abuse. Certain people may experience side effects like stomach problems, changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Certain sufferers also develop tics which are repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. Stimulants can cause weight loss and lower appetite.
Non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD
Wellbutrin, Strattera and other medications are classified as "non-stimulants" due to the fact that they don't work the same way stimulants do. However, they do have an effect on symptoms. These drugs have a lower chance of having side effects such as agitation or insomnia and generally prove more effective for certain adults than stimulants. However, some people have trouble tolerating these medicines and are not helped by them.
Antidepressants
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when other ADHD medications don't work or cause too many adverse effects. a knockout post include tricyclic and atypical antidepressants like Wellbutrin, clonidine and phenelzine. These drugs are not recommended for children who are not yet of 10 as they may cause a sedative effect which could be harmful.
Stimulant withdrawal
Many people who take ADHD medication for a long period of time abruptly stop taking it, which can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this, doctors often gradually decrease the dosage over a period of time. If this doesn't help some patients, they may need to switch to a different kind of medication.
If you or your children are having difficulty finding the right medication try again. Be open to your doctor. The majority of people have to experiment with different dosages and formulations until they find a treatment that is effective for them. Click on the pill to read the full description. The chart includes dosages, warnings specific to the medication and other important details. The information is arranged according to the name of the drug and is based upon research published in medical journals. The chart is best seen on large screens. Download it here. You can also print a copy. The chart contains dosages, formulations, specific warnings, and other pertinent information for a variety of ADHD medications, including stimulants such as Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin and nonstimulants like Strattera (discontinued in 2023), Intuniv, Qelbree and Wellbutrin.