ADHD Medication Names
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine which are used to are used to treat ADHD symptoms. They are available in immediate-release (short acting) and extended release tablets, liquids and patches.
Stimulants include dextroamphetamine, dextroamphetamine-dextroamphetamine, and Adderall. Lisdexamfetamine comes as a four-hour capsule or tablet.
Stimulants
Stimulants for ADHD are the most frequently used medications and work well in about 70 to 80% of children and adults. These medications increase hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain, which help you think more clearly, pay more attention and manage impulses. The majority of stimulants work within 30 minutes. They can help you decrease the amount of time you spend fiddling around, interrupting and finish work and improve your relationships. They won't stop you from suffering symptoms or adverse effects.
Stimulant medicines are available in both long and short-acting doses. Short-acting stimulants peak after several hours and require between 2 and 3 daily dosages. Long-acting stimulants should be taken daily. Some people have the sensation of a "crash" that is the sudden loss of energy, mood or hunger as the drug wears off. If you experience this, your doctor may prescribe an intermediate stimulant to bridge the gap between doses, or to switch you to a stronger medication.
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 non-prescription versions are available, but when they are injected or smoked they quickly reach the brain and trigger an increase in. They have been abused by students, athletes, truck drivers and soldiers. In 2017, around two percent of Canadian students reported using amphetamines for recreational purposes.
adhd medication acts similarly to amphetamines by blocking the reuptake and release of norepinephrine, as well as dopamine in the brain. It is available in immediate-release, extended-release and controlled-release oral tablets. They are taken every day, either once or twice. Focalin is also the brand name under which it's sold.
Atomoxetine, an FDA-approved medicine for ADHD that increases the amount of noradrenaline that is present in your brain. It is available as tablets or capsules taken once or twice daily. Atomoxetine is approved for use in adults and adolescents who are over 5 years old.
Other Medications for ADHD
Some people have found that stimulants don't work or cause undesirable side effects their doctor might look at other options for ADHD. Nonstimulants, or a mix of stimulants and nonstimulants, can help you focus on your work and control emotions. They include Strattera (discontinued in 2023), Tenex, Kapvay and Intuniv.
Finding the right ADHD medication can take a while, whether it is for you or your child. Be patient and work with your doctor to determine the dosage, medication and schedule that will work for you. This chart will help you remember some of the names of well-known ADHD medications. These include stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse and nonstimulants like Strattera. Click on the name of each medication to learn more about its effects, dosages, and formulations.