TYPES:
There are two types of prescription drugs commonly used to treat ADHD:
stimulant medications (also referred to as psychostimulants) and non-stimulant medications.
Each type of pharmaceutical varies in efficacy and safety and require careful screening and monitoring by a qualified physician.
Stimulants for ADHD treatment
Central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine; this category of drug improves symptoms in about 70% of adults with ADHD and 70-80% of children and can be categorized as short-acting, intermediate, or long-acting. Short-acting stimulants are typically taken two or three times a day whereas intermediate and long-acting require less frequent or once-a-day dosing.
Non-Stimulants for ADHD treatment
While stimulants work for most, they aren’t for everyone. Non-stimulant prescription medications work by either increasing norepinephrine, or by activating α-adrenergic receptors in the brain. In many cases, there’s a trade-off because they tend to not be quite as effective at enhancing concentration and executive functioning as psychostimulants.
HISTORY:
Stimulants such as Benzedrine were used as early as 1937 by doctor Charles Bradley, a Rhode Island psychiatrist, to help young patients diagnosed with behavioral disorders. As a pioneer in the field, Dr. Bradley was adamant that drugs should only play a supporting role in a holistic approach to treatment. Likewise, pharmacological solutions should always be provided in a supportive environment and within an established doctor-patient relationship.
Since the approval by the FDA of Ritalin (methylphenidate) in 1955, stimulant-based therapy has become the most common and most effective method for treating both children and adults with Attention-Deficit Disorder/ Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD Medications List at a Glance
ADDERALL tablets / ADDERALL XR extended-release capsules (mixed Amphetamine salts)
Available as tablets in doses that range from 5mg to 30mg.
ADZENYS XR sublingual tablets (Amphetamine)
Available as sublingual tablets in doses that range from 3.1mg to 18.8mg.
APTENSIO XR capsules (Methylphenidate Extended-Release)
Available as capsules in doses that range from 10mg to 60mg.
CONCERTA capsules (Methylphenidate)
Available as capsules in doses that range from 18mg to 54mg.
DESOXYN tablets (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride)
Available as tablets in doses that range from 5mg to 15mg.
DEXEDRINE tablets (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate)
Available as tablets in 5mg doses.
DEXEDRINE SPANSULE capsules (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate)
Available as capsules in doses that range from 5mg to 15mg.
EVEKEO tablets (Amphetamine Sulfate)
Available as tablets in 5mg and 10mg doses.
FOCALIN tablets (Dexmethylphenidate)
Available as tablets in doses that range from 2.5mg to 10mg.
FOCALIN XR capsules (Dexmethylphenidate)
Available as capsules in doses that range from 5mg to 40mg.
INTUNIV (Guanfacine Hydrochloride)
Available as tablets in doses that range from 1mg to 4mg.
KAPVAY (Clonidine)
Available as 0.1 mg or 0.2 mg extended-release tablets.
METADATE CD capsules (Methylphenidate)
Available as capsules in doses that range from 10mg to 60mg; 30% immediate release / 70% delayed release.
METADATE ER tablets (Methylphenidate Extended-Release)
Available as tablets in 10mg and 20mg doses; 50% immediate release / 50% delayed release.
RITALIN tablets (Methylphenidate)
Available as 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets.
RITALIN LA capsules (Methylphenidate Extended-Release)
Available as capsules in doses that range from 10mg to 40mg; 50% immediate release / 50% delayed release.
STRATTERA (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride)
Available as capsules in doses that range from 10mg to 100mg.
VYVANSE capsules (Lisdexamfetamine)
Available as capsules in doses that range from 10mg to 70mg.
ZENZEDI tablets (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate)
Available as tablets in doses that range from 2.5mg to 30mg.
ADHD Medication Chart
| Brands | Active Ingredients | Stimulant | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adderall | Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine | Yes | Short to Intermediate 4-6 hours |
| Adderall XR | Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine | Yes | Long-Acting 12 hours (once per day) |
| Adzenys XR | Amphetamine | Yes | Long-Acting up to 12 hours |
| Aptensio XR | Methylphenidate | Yes | Long-Acting up to 12 hours |
| Concerta | Methylphenidate | Yes | Long-Acting 10-12 hours |
| Desoxyn | Methamphetamine Hydrochloride | Yes | Short to Intermediate 4-6 hours |
| Dexedrine | Dextroamphetamine Sulfate | Yes | Short to Intermediate 4-6 hours |
| Dexedrine Spansule | Dextroamphetamine Sulfate | Yes | Intermediate to Long 5-10 hours |
| Evekeo | Amphetamine Sulfate | Yes | Intermediate to Long |
| Focalin | Dexmethylphenidate | Yes | Short to Intermediate 3-6 hours |
| Focalin XR | Dexmethylphenidate | Yes | Long-Acting up to 12 hours |
| Intuniv | Guanfacine Hydrochloride | No | Long-Acting 8 or more hours |
| Kapvay | Clonidine | No | Long-Acting |
| Metadate CD | Methylphenidate | Yes | Intermediate to Long-Acting |
| Metadate ER | Methylphenidate | Yes | Intermediate to Long-Acting |
REFERENCES:
- Bradley’s Benzedrine Studies on Children with Behavioral Disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3064242/