Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs for ADHD
Which ADHD drug is most effective for you? To find out more and begin treatment, make an online appointment with a qualified healthcare professional.
A mental illness known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentive behaviors. A systematic review found that it impacts 2.58% of individuals globally. ADHD can have a substantial influence on many aspects of life if left untreated, and in extreme circumstances, it may even qualify as a disability.
The initial line of treatment for ADHD is frequently medication. A thorough analysis of the most often recommended solutions, along with information on their benefits and drawbacks, may be found below.
Which ADHD Treatment Is the Most Effective?
Treatment for ADHD is typically all-encompassing and includes behavioral therapy, medication, and adjustments to daily routines. Treatment strategies are usually customized since different patients may respond differently to the same strategy.
The intensity of the symptoms and the particular challenges encountered in day-to-day living determine which interventions are best. However, the first step is often medication. They clear the way for behavioral adjustments made during psychotherapy and have a tendency to have impacts somewhat quickly.
What Is the Purpose of ADHD Medication?
ADHD can impair information transmission between neurons, which affects focus and attention. Therefore, improving neurotransmitter function is the main objective of ADHD treatment. This improves focus and concentration, lessens impulsivity and hyperactivity, and treats other problems.
ADHD Drug Types
Adult ADHD medications come in a variety of forms, and what works for one person might not work as well for another. They are all separated into two main categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
ADHD Stimulant Medication
It is well recognized that the best drugs for ADHD are stimulants. They aid in lowering fidgeting, hyperactivity, and lack of focus. Dopamine and norepinephrine, two essential brain neurotransmitters, are increased by stimulants. Focus, vitality, and alertness are further improved by elevated levels of these neurotransmitters. Methylphenidate and amphetamine salts are the two main types of stimulants.
Salts of Amphetamine
Vyvanse, Dexedrine, and Adderall
The brain’s neurotransmission and functioning are accelerated by medications that include amphetamine salts. By enhancing both brain function and anomalies associated with ADHD, they are known to reduce symptoms that first appear in childhood. ADHD treatments contain a variety of amphetamines. For instance, the active component of Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine, Dexedrine contains dextroamphetamine, and Adderall comprises amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Because they are regulated substances, amphetamines can only be purchased with a prescription and under a doctor’s supervision.
Methylphenidate
Concerta, Methylin, Metadate
Another central nervous system stimulant is methylphenidate. It affects brain chemistry, particularly impulsivity and hyperactivity. Despite typically having less severe side effects than amphetamines, methylphenidate is nonetheless a powerful treatment for ADHD.
Patients may respond differently to treatment and experience effects for varying lengths of time. To find out more, speak with your healthcare provider.
Medication for ADHD Without Stimulants
Similar to stimulants, non-stimulant ADHD drugs reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity, and lack of focus by enhancing brain functioning. In contrast to stimulants, non-stimulants operate through distinct brain chemistry and mechanisms. Additionally, their effects take longer to manifest; noticeable and long-lasting improvement may not be seen for several days or weeks.
Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip) and desipramine (Norpramin)
Compared to certain other kinds of antidepressants, this family of drugs is less often used. However, in order to maintain a balance between serotonin and norepinephrine, some tricyclics may be given for ADHD. Stress management is aided by this impact.
Antidepressants
For patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who did not respond to stimulant drugs, doctors may use antidepressants. In the short term, they enhance emotional regulation and have an effect on impulsivity and inattention.
Inhibitors of Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake (SNRI)
Viloxazine (Qelbree) and atomoxetine (Strattera)
The brain’s norepinephrine levels are raised by these drugs. Improved focus and attention are among their main benefits. They might also be beneficial if a person has both ADHD and signs of anxiety or despair.
Medications for blood pressure
Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv)
For ADHD, these drugs may be recommended for a number of reasons:
- For people who have trouble tolerating stimulants, they might be helpful.
- They can assist in controlling norepinephrine levels by affecting the brain’s alpha-2 receptors. It aids in controlling impulsivity and attention span.
- Guanfacine improves memory and concentration by influencing the brain regions in charge of these functions.
- Sleep issues and mood fluctuations, including hostility, which can occasionally be side effects of stimulants, can also be managed with sedative qualities or antihypertensives.
Drugs with immediate versus extended release
The duration required for the active components to enter the body is the primary distinction between immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) formulations. The start of action of immediate-release drugs is faster than that of extended-release tablets. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and multiple formulations of the same drug can be made to suit the needs of different people.
Additionally, the duration of effects of immediate-release drugs is shorter due to their comparatively quick action. As a result, they might need to be dosed more frequently throughout the day. However, because extended-release drugs have longer-lasting effects and are more concentrated in the body, they are usually prescribed for less frequent doses.
Keep in mind that in order to reduce the possibility of adverse effects, it’s critical to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations about dosage and frequency.
The Most Recent Drugs for ADHD
Viloxazine (Qelbree), a non-stimulant alternative, is one of the more recent ADHD drugs. Furthermore, a number of novel stimulant drugs have been developed, including:
- Cotempla: extended-release oral disintegrating tablets of methylphenidate
- Adhansia: HCl methylphenidate
- Jornay PM and Aptensio XR: extended-release drugs containing methylphenidate hydrochloride
- Dyanavel XR: oral suspension with extended-release amphetamine
- XR-ODT Adzenys: amphetamine
- Mydayis: a single-entity amphetamine compound in mixed salt form
Adverse Effects of ADHD Drugs
A prescription is needed for any ADHD medicine, and a medical expert should oversee the course of treatment. One explanation for this is the possibility of adverse effects, which might differ based on a number of factors, including the dosage, the patient’s unique reaction, and the type and makeup of the drug. Furthermore, some people will not have any side effects in the same circumstance, while other patients with the same disease may experience distinct negative effects from the same prescription. However, it’s crucial to be aware of any possible consequences.
Although the adverse effects usually go away quickly, if they are severe or persistent, you should see your doctor right once.
Common Adverse Reactions to Stimulants
The following could be side effects of using stimulants to treat ADHD:
- Sleeplessness
- Headache
- Pain in the stomach
- Recurrence of ADHD symptoms without warning
- Diminished appetite
- Mouth dryness
- Intolerance and abrasiveness
Common Non-stimulant Side Effects
The type of the recommended medicine and other variables determine the side effects of non-stimulants for ADHD. Typical ones include:
- Feeling queasy
- Problems with the stomach
- Appetite loss
- Loss of weight
- Weariness
To find out more about the possible adverse effects of the particular medicine, speak with your healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest-acting ADHD medication?
Because it also depends on each patient's unique health circumstances, the same medication may behave differently in various persons. Generally speaking, the immediate-release type of stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamines is the fastest-acting ADHD treatment. After consumption, these drugs may begin to take effect 30 minutes to an hour later. The duration of effectiveness, however, is somewhat brief, typically lasting four to six hours. To find out more, speak with your doctor and keep an eye on how you're responding to your medication.
What ADHD medication has the least side effects?
Because every person reacts differently to drugs, side effects might also differ from person to person. When compared to stimulant medications, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) are frequently thought to have a gentler adverse effect profile. Speak with your healthcare practitioner to learn how to treat ADHD in your specific situation and about any possible side effects.
What is the most prescribed ADHD medication?
The most often recommended drugs for ADHD are thought to be stimulants. These include methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) and amphetamines (e.g., Adderall), which are frequently used as the first-line treatment for ADHD because of their efficacy. However, a medical expert should decide on the prescription drug after conducting a thorough assessment. Additionally, keep in mind that there isn't a single best ADHD medication for adults; instead, each medication's effectiveness varies from person to person, and only a medical practitioner can choose the best course of action.
What medication helps to improve focus in people with ADHD?
In order to help people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder become more focused, stimulant drugs are frequently administered. In people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, medications that contain methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) and amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) are known to improve concentration and attention span. These drugs improve focus and decrease impulsivity by altering neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Is Adderall the most common ADHD medication?
One of the most widely used ADHD drugs is Adderall. It is frequently used to assist control impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. It is a member of the stimulant class. However, not all ADHD sufferers will experience its results. The best prescription for you will be decided by your healthcare professional; it might or might not be Adderall.