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®).
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.
Two medicines, methylphenidate and amphetamines, are the most commonly used stimulants for the treatment of ADHD. Methylphenidate – Methylphenidate (sample brand names: Concerta, Focalin, Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin) is available as a tablet, capsule, and liquid.
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.
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.
Use of Dexedrine promotes focus and can make the person who takes it feel energetic, positive, and euphoric.
While the effects of dextroamphetamine help those with ADHD feel normal, people without ADHD have been known to take the drug to experience a heightened sense of concentration, less need to sleep, and improved mental performance.
Concerta could worsen symptoms in people who have Tourette syndrome or tics. So if you have one of these conditions, your doctor may recommend a treatment other than Concerta. If you have anxiety or agitation. If you have severe anxiety or agitation, your doctor may not prescribe Concerta.
This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants.
If individuals who do not have ADHD take these medications, however, the results will be hyperactivity and overstimulation. The drug also slowly raises the user's dopamine levels in the brain, achieving a therapeutic effect for those with ADHD and similar diagnoses.
Medications for 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).
Standard treatments for ADHD in children include medications, behavior therapy, counseling and education services. These treatments can relieve many of the symptoms of ADHD , but they don't cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for your child.
Talk with your doctor to decide which works best for your routine, and to figure out the best time of day to take your medication. Your doctor can't know ahead of time which drug will work best for you. They'll probably start you out with a low dose and see if it helps ease your symptoms.
The most popular ADHD medications among ADDitude readers include (in alphabetical order): Adderall XR (amphetamine) Concerta (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (amphetamine)
Both medications work in similar ways in the brain and have similar side effects. The primary difference is that Ritalin works quickly and reaches peak performance earlier than does Adderall, which stays in the system longer. “One molecule is not intrinsically better or to be preferred over the other,” says Dr.
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.
Daytrana, Adderall XR, Strattera, Kapvay, and Intuniv are some Concerta alternatives.
How long does it take for Concerta to work? Concerta will begin working with the first dose, typically within an hour. The drug is designed to last for 12 hours.
Taking stimulants such as Concerta at high doses or for a long time can lead to dependence. Physical dependence on stimulants means that your body has become used to them and you need them in order to feel normal. If you think you've become dependent on Concerta and would like to stop taking it, talk with your doctor.
Concerta may cause dopamine levels to rise quickly when taken in very high doses, which can result in a euphoric feeling, or a high.
Mixing alcohol and Concerta (taken in pill form) may result in the methylphenidate in the drug being released at once, leading to potential overdose effects.
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking dextroamphetamine if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take dextroamphetamine because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
Administering this drug for prolonged periods of time should be avoided as it may lead to drug dependence. Drug misuse may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events.