Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental illness that impairs concentration and focus. Many medications, such as Adderall XR, Ritalin, and Strattera, might lessen symptoms.
Most medications for ADHD are stimulants. Common selections include Concerta, Vyvanse, and Adderall XR. Conversely, nonstimulant medications such as Intuniv XR or Strattera are also accessible. Drugs may have short-, medium-, or long-acting effects.
The right medication for a person depends on a number of variables. These include the medication’s side effects, how long it will last, and the patient’s specific preferences. A doctor can recommend the best kind, but it’s beneficial to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
This article compares the many medications that people may use to help manage the symptoms of ADHD.
a list of ADHD medications that focus on creativity, self-control, working memory, and attention. Medication that targets the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which are associated with ADHD, may help patients manage the symptoms of the condition.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are frequently prescribed by doctors to address the symptoms of ADHD.
Stimulants work better than nonstimulants in adults, adolescents, and children. They do, however, also include the risk of abuse and rebound effects.
Many people switch to nonstimulants as a result. Compositions containing long-acting stimulants can also reduce the risk of misuse.
Stimulants are a common first-line medication prescribed by doctors for adults, adolescents, and children with ADHD. Two brain chemicals that are affected by stimulants that may be related to ADHD are dopamine and norepinephrine.
Amphetamines are stimulants that adults respond to better and have less side effects from. The first medication of choice for children and teenagers with ADHD is methylphenidate.
What negative impacts are there?
elevated heart rate
elevated hematocrit
lessened appetite
having trouble getting to sleep
It is rare to have serious cardiac problems. Patients with heart issues who use stimulants should be closely monitored by physicians.
The risk of dependence and abuse from central nervous system stimulants is high. Because longer-acting formulations have a lower risk for misuse, doctors tend to prescribe them more frequently.
What are the interactions between medications?
Stimulants can interact with many medications.
Some people have ADHD in addition to anxiety or sadness. For this reason, doctors may mix an antidepressant or an anxiety medication with a stimulant when treating ADHD.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are antidepressants, shouldn’t be taken with stimulants. An client must stop taking any MAOI at least 14 days before starting any stimulant medication.
Another class of antidepressants that interact with stimulants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
phenolphthalomate
In the next sections, a more thorough analysis of stimulant medication types for ADHD is provided.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD that acts on dopaminergic receptors in the brain.
Methylphenidate has been shown through study to be both safe and effective, making these drugs popular options.
Methylphenidate can be included in a number of long-acting medications. There are various varieties that operate quickly.
Among the long-acting methylphenidate medications are:
Adhansia XR
Adzenys ER and XR-ODT
Extension XR
Azstarys’s Show
Cotempla XR-ODT
Daytrana
Snap-on Dexedrine capsules
Joannay XR, Dyanavel PM
Mydayis
Emergency Room QuilliChew
Quillivant XR
Relexxi
The generic version of Ritalin LA
Methylphenidate medications that operate quickly include:
Evekeo ODT, Desoxyn Evekeo.
Centra Methylin
Ritalin
Ritalin SR
prescription drugs Zenzedi
Other stimulant medications include Vyvanse and Adderall, to name a couple.
medications with long-acting stimulants
The sections that follow provide more information about long-acting stimulant medications.
Concerto
Osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system (OROS) is used in Concerta capsules to release methylphenidate. Methylphenidate exerts its effects gradually, delivering 22% of its whole potency at once and the remaining 78% over time.
OROS technology is exclusive to Concerta; generic formulations lack it. The digestive juices from the stomach and intestines seep into the Concerta tablet when a person eats it, causing the medication to release gradually throughout the day.
The drug has a half-life of between 10 and 12 hours, just like biphentin. When the medication wears off, users may utilize a short-acting methylphenidate substitute if needed.
It is not recommended to shatter or break Concerta pills. It could be difficult for those who have trouble swallowing pills to utilize Concerta.
ER methylphenidate
Methylphenidate ER is the generic version of Concerta. This product’s medication is not released via OROS technology.
The main reason why consumers choose the generic version over Concerta is because of its lower cost.
have demonstrated the equivalent effect of Concerta and this generic alternative.
Certain healthcare professionals have seen alterations in their patients’ behavior when they switch from Concerta to its generic substitute. Physicians, nurses, caregivers, and loved ones should all be informed of any observed behavioral changes.
Ritalin LA
Ritalin LA pills include two different types of medication: half is released all at once and the other half is released gradually throughout the day.
Doctors can prescribe Ritalin LA to patients with ADHD who are children, adolescents, or adults. Ritalin LA should not be divided, chewed, or crushed.
Daytrana
Daytrana, a methylphenidate patch, is applied to the hip. Scholars have examined the effects on children between the ages of 6 and 12 and 13 and 17.
The user puts this patch to their skin two hours before to the need for the medication’s effects. The patch should be removed no later than nine hours.
Focalin XR
Dextro-methylphenidate is one type of methylphenidate found in Focalin and Focalin XR. This type of methylphenidate is more active than the regular form.
Focalin XR is the name of the long-acting version of focalin.
Any age group can receive a prescription for this medication from a doctor. It is possible to open the capsules and mix the contents with food.
Adderall XR
Dextro-amphetamine is the main active ingredient in Adderall XR, the extended-release version of Adderall. Doctors can prescribe this medication to children, adolescents, or adults with ADHD. Because of its long-acting nature, it can manage symptoms for ten to twelve hours.
Occasionally, doctors will need to write a prescription for a short-acting amphetamine medication in order to manage symptoms that worsen in the afternoon.
The Vanse
Lisdexamfetamine, an inactive amphetamine derivative, is a component of vyvanse. A person’s body turns the inactive drug Vyvanse into dextroamphetamine when they take it. Vyvanse and Adderall XR have comparable effects.
When taking Vyvanse, children with ADHD symptoms can be managed for 13 hours. Adult users of vyvanse can treat their symptoms for up to 14 hours at a time.
Dexedrine medicine and its pills
Dextro-amphetamine is present in Dexedrine and Dexedrine Spansules.
Since Dexedrine tablets only last 3-5 hours and the capsules last approximately 6-8 hours, users typically utilize the capsules when the long-acting medication wears off later in the day.
Xelstrym
In 2022, the FDA approved the amphetamine patch Xelstrym for the management of ADHD. Dexedrine and Dexedrine Spansules’ active component, dextroamphetamine, is present in it.
The patch should be worn for a maximum of nine hours each day after application. One patch should be applied by the user each day.
Mydayis
A more recent combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine is called Mydayis. The capsule is usually eaten as soon as you wake up.
The longer-acting nature of this drug sets it apart from other amphetamine formulations.
Adzenys ER, Adzenys XR-ODT, and Dyanavel XR
Prescription drugs with long-acting amphetamines that are safe for usage by adults over the age of six are these ones. Usually, they are taken in the morning once a day.
One tablet that dissolves quickly without the need for water is Adzenys XR-ODT. Liquid versions of Adzenys ER and Dyanavel XR are available.