Stimulants are the best and most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. There are only two stimulant medications, methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse and other formulations).
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour.
The most popular ADHD medications among ADDitude readers include (in alphabetical order): Adderall XR (amphetamine) Concerta (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (amphetamine)
Treatment recommendations for ADHD
For children 6 years of age and older, the recommendations include medication and behavior therapy together — parent training in behavior management for children up to age 12 and other types of behavior therapy and training for adolescents.
Stimulants, such as products that include methylphenidate or amphetamine, are typically the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD , but other medications may be prescribed. Stimulants appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Short-acting stimulants (which wear off after about 4 hours) include Artige, Concerta and Ritalin 10. Long-acting options (which last around 8-12 hours) include Concerta Extended-Release Tablets, Ritalin LA and Vyvanse.
Stimulants act on norepinephrine and dopamine, two brain chemicals that may play a role in ADHD. Stimulants called amphetamines are more effective and produce fewer side effects in adults. The first choice for children and adolescents with ADHD is methylphenidate.
FDA Approves Xelstrym to Treat ADHD
Key takeaways: In March 2022, Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) became the first FDA-approved amphetamine patch to treat ADHD in adults and children at least 6 years of age. Common side effects of Xelstrym include a smaller appetite, trouble sleeping, and headache.
Adderall XR is the longer-lasting form, designed to be effective for 10-12 hours.
Approximately 10 million American adults with an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis have a new option for treatment without a stimulant's side effects, thanks to a new FDA approval for Supernus Pharmaceuticals. Qelbree, Supernus' once-a-day pill, won FDA approval Friday to treat adults with ADHD.
ADHD Medication Summary
Concerta and Ritalin share the same active ingredient. However, Ritalin is a short-acting stimulant that boosts focus and attention quickly. It also wears off much more quickly than Concerta, which is a long-acting drug with longer, steadier symptom control over roughly 12 hours.
Many ADHD stimulant medications contain methylphenidate, an ingredient that works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Long-term studies have demonstrated that methylphenidate is safe and effective, so these medications are popular choices.
Is Vyvanse or Ritalin better? Both Vyvanse and Ritalin have been proven effective in treating ADHD. Studies show that Vyvanse may show a greater improvement in symptomatology, but Ritalin is more cost-effective and leads to a lower rate of side effects.
In Australia, the psychostimulant medications mainly used to treat ADHD are dexamfetamine, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. Methylphenidate is available as a short-acting preparation (e.g. Ritalin®) and as a long-acting or extended release preparation (e.g. Ritalin LA®, Concerta®).
The most common side effects are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Other ADHD medicine side effects include jitteriness, irritability, moodiness, headaches, stomachaches, fast heart rate, and high blood pressure. Side effects usually happen in the first few days of starting a new medicine or taking a higher dose.
You might be able to stop taking your ADHD medication if the circumstances of your life change. For example, if managing your job plus managing your children's' schedules was the trigger for you to seek ADHD treatment, you may be able to discontinue your stimulant medication when your children are older.
The nonstimulants atomoxetine, guanfacine, and bupropion are considered best choices for individuals in substance abuse treatment programs. Nonstimulants are also a desirable choice for people who have had adverse effects on stimulant medications.
JORNAY PM is taken in the evening and uses a unique delayed-release and extended-release technology to keep it from working for about 10 hours after it is taken. It is proven to control ADHD symptoms from the time of waking up—and it lasts throughout the day.
What are effective treatments for ADHD in older adults? The most effective medications for the treatment of ADHD in older adults are stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine.
Answer: Using caffeine, either in a drink or in an over-the-counter preparation, is not recommended by medical experts as a treatment for ADHD. Although some studies have shown that caffeine may improve concentration in adults with ADHD, it is not as effective as medication.
In summary, stimulant medications are most effective and combined medication and psychosocial treatment is the most beneficial treatment option for most adult patients with ADHD.
Short-acting Ritalin generally is effective for around 4 hours, whereas Ritalin LA and Concerta are effective for around 8-10 hours. Lisdexamfetamine is available as Vyvance in Australia, and is noted to be one of the longest acting medication on the Australian market.
Dexedrine and Ritalin are both prescription-only medications that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy. Dexedrine is comprised of dextroamphetamine, whereas Ritalin is comprised of methylphenidate.