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®).
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.
Methylphenidate. 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)
ADHD specialists recommend methylphenidates as the first-choice medication for treating children and adolescents, and amphetamines as the first-choice medication for adults.
Medications for ADHD
The two types of medications (methylphenidate and amphetamine) are equally effective and have the same benefits and the same risks.
Long-term studies have demonstrated that methylphenidate is safe and effective, so these medications are popular choices. Methylphenidate is used in a range of different long-acting medications.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, because they have a calming effect on people with this condition. These medications include amphetamine salts, such as Adderall®; methylphenidate, such as Concerta® or Ritalin®; and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, or Vyvanse®.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the medications used to treat it are associated with obesity. Stimulants lead to weight loss, while antipsychotics and antidepressants lead to weight gain.
Ritalin in the brain
Ritalin works by increasing the amount of dopamine released in the striatum, a key region in the brain related to motivation, action and cognition.
Untreated ADHD in adults can lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. This is because ADHD symptoms can lead to focus, concentration, and impulsivity problems. When these problems are not managed effectively, they can lead to feelings of frustration, irritability, and low self-esteem.
The most common drugs that doctors suggest for ADHD are stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines. Even if you have anxiety, these meds may work well for your ADHD. Anxiety is a common side effect of stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) – This prescription medication was the first non-narcotic and non-addictive medicinal treatment option for ADHD approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Methylphenidate is the first-line drug. Further advice on treatment can be found in section 1.7, Treatment of Adults with ADHD (p.
In Australia only authorised prescribers/medical professionals can prescribe medication.
A formal diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by qualified health professionals. Whilst general practitioners, and other front-line health providers may have useful information and experience in identifying ADHD symptoms, the diagnosis needs to be made by a paediatrician or a child psychiatrist.
Stimulants are believed to work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
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.
Researchers found that 44% of women taking dextroamphetamine sulfate lost at least 10% of their initial body weight at 6 months. At 5 years, 42% of women continued to lose least 10% of their body weight, which indicates that dextroamphetamine sulfate may be a long-lasting weight loss treatment.
Is ADHD considered a disability? Yes, ADHD is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). There are several types of disabilities, including but not limited to: learning disability.
People with ADHD can be effectively treated without drugs, improving brain dysregulation and help optimize brain function, leading to a reduction and/or resolution of symptoms and improved quality of life.
Most ADHD medications are stimulants, which means they can have addictive potential. However, studies have shown that when taken as prescribed and monitored by a doctor, these medications are generally not addictive.
Some patients report that their medication feels good — productivity, focus, and mood are all improved with minimal side effects — but it doesn't feel like enough. Maybe you can focus for 20 minutes now instead of 5, but you still can't get your work completed.