ADHD Medication Names
Stimulants relieve symptoms of ADHD by increasing levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release tablets, liquid and patches.
Stimulants include dextroamphetamine, dextroamphetamine-dextroamphetamine and Adderall. Lisdexamfetamine is available as a four-hour capsule or tablet.
Stimulants
Stimulants for ADHD are the most commonly used medicines and are effective in 70 to 80% of adults and children. These drugs boost hormones such as dopamine and norepinephrine levels inside the brain, which help you to think clearly, pay greater attention and control impulses. The majority of stimulants work within 30 minutes. They can help you reduce the amount of time you spend fiddling around, interrupting and complete tasks as well as improve your relationships. However, they can't completely cure all your symptoms or stop you from experiencing side effects.
Stimulant medicines are available in both long and short-acting doses. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours, and require a minimum of daily doses. Long-acting stimulants are taken daily. Some people experience an "crash" when the effects of the drug wear off, leading to a sudden loss of mood and energy, or an intense hunger. If you've experienced this, your doctor may prescribe an intermediate stimulant to bridge the gap between doses or change 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 cause a rush. Students, athletes, truckers and soldiers have taken advantage of them. In 2017, about two percent of Canadian students reported abusing amphetamines for recreational purposes.
Methylphenidate is similar to amphetamines in the sense that it blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine from the brain. It is available in oral tablets that are immediate-release, controlled-release or extended-release. It can be taken either once or twice every day. Focalin is also the brand under which it's sold.
Atomoxetine, an FDA-approved ADHD medication, boosts the noradrenaline levels in your brain. It's available as tablets or capsules that can be consumed once or twice a day. Atomoxetine is available to adults and adolescents over 5 years.
Other Medications for ADHD
Some people discover that stimulants do not work or cause unpleasant adverse effects. The doctor may consider other medications to treat ADHD. Nonstimulants (or a combination of stimulant and nonstimulant) could aid in improving your ability focus, stay on task and control your emotions. They include Strattera (discontinued in 2023), Tenex, Kapvay and Intuniv.
Finding adhd medication names can be a lengthy process, whether it is for you or your child. Work with your doctor and take your time to find the right dosage, medication, and schedule for you. This chart will help you remember a few of the names of well-known ADHD medications. These include stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse, and nonstimulants like Strattera. Click on the name of each drug to find out more about its adverse effects, dosages and formulations.