ADHD Medication Names
Stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine, which help treat ADHD symptoms. They are available as immediate-release (short acting) and extended release tablets, liquids and patches.
Stimulants include dextroamphetamine and dextro, and Adderall. Lisdexamfetamine is available as a four-hour capsule or tablet.
Stimulants
The most popular treatment for ADHD is stimulants. They work well in 70 to 80% adults and children. These medications increase hormones such as dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps you think clearly, pay attention to and control impulses. Most stimulants take effect within 30 minutes. They can help you reduce interruptions, fidgeting, and finish tasks and improve your relationships. They won't prevent you from experiencing symptoms or adverse effects.
Long- and short-acting stimulant medications are available. Short-acting medications peak after several hours and require three daily doses, while long-acting medications are only taken once per day. Some sufferers experience the sensation of a "crash" as the effects of the drug wear off, which can cause a sudden drop in energy and mood or intense hunger. If this occurs, your doctor will prescribe an intermediate stimulant or switch you to a longer-acting drug.
Amphetamines are the most common stimulant medications for ADHD, but they also have a long history of misuse and abuse as recreational drugs or performance-enhancing substances. Both prescription and over-the counter versions are available, but when they are smoked or injected, they quickly reach the brain and produce an increase in. Students, athletes, truckers and soldiers have taken advantage of them. In 2017, two percent of Canadian students reported abusing amphetamines for recreational purposes.
Methylphenidate is similar to amphetamines in the sense that it blocks the reuptake norepinephrine, and dopamine from the brain. It is available in oral tablets that have immediate-release, controlled-release and extended-release. These can be taken once or twice every day. Focalin is also the brand under which it's sold.
Atomoxetine, an FDA-approved medicine for ADHD that boosts the amount of noradrenaline found in your brain. It is available as a capsule or tablet that can be taken once or twice a day. Atomoxetine is approved for use in adults and adolescents over the age of 5.
Other medications for ADHD
Some people find that stimulants aren't effective or cause unpleasant side effects, so their doctor may try other medications for ADHD. Nonstimulants (or a combination of stimulant and nonstimulant) could aid in improving your ability concentrate, stay focused and manage your emotions. These include Strattera, Tenex (which will be removed in 2023), Kapvay, and Intuniv.
It can take time to find the perfect ADHD medication for your child or yourself. Be patient and work with your physician to determine the dosage, medication and schedule that work best for you. Use see here to help remember the names of some of the most popular ADHD medications including stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse and nonstimulants such as Strattera, Tenex, Intuniv and Qelbree. Click on the name of each drug to find out more about its side effects, dosages and formulations.