“What medications are used to treat ADHD?”
My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. What medications are used to treat ADHD?
8 Answers
There are two main types of medications used to treat ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants. The right medicine depends on your daughter’s symptoms and how she responds to treatment.
1. Stimulant Medications (Most Common & Effective)
Stimulants help with focus, self-control, and hyperactivity by increasing brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These medications work fast and help most kids with ADHD.
Methylphenidate-based stimulants (Similar but have different brand names):
- Ritalin – Works for about 3-4 hours (short-acting).
- Concerta – Lasts up to 12 hours (long-acting).
- Daytrana – A patch you wear on the skin.
- Focalin / Focalin XR – May have fewer side effects than Ritalin.
- Quillivant XR / QuilliChew ER – Liquid and chewable forms.
Amphetamine-based stimulants (Also work well for ADHD):
- Adderall / Adderall XR – Short-acting lasts 4-6 hours, long-acting lasts up to 12 hours.
- Vyvanse – Lasts up to 14 hours, smoother effect.
- Dexedrine / Zenzedi – Less common but similar to Adderall.
- Mydayis – Longest-lasting, up to 16 hours.
2. Non-Stimulant Medications (For Kids Who Can’t Take Stimulants)
These help with focus and self-control but work more slowly than stimulants. They are good for kids who have anxiety, trouble sleeping, or bad side effects from stimulants.
- Strattera (Atomoxetine) – Helps focus, but takes a few weeks to work.
- Intuniv (Guanfacine) – Helps with impulsivity, aggression, and sleep.
- Kapvay (Clonidine) – Helps with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and sleep problems.
Which One is Best?
- Stimulants work best for most kids (about 70-80%).
- Non-stimulants are good if stimulants don’t work or cause bad side effects.
- Finding the right medicine may take a few tries and some adjustments.
1. Stimulant Medications (Most Common & Effective)
Stimulants help with focus, self-control, and hyperactivity by increasing brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These medications work fast and help most kids with ADHD.
Methylphenidate-based stimulants (Similar but have different brand names):
- Ritalin – Works for about 3-4 hours (short-acting).
- Concerta – Lasts up to 12 hours (long-acting).
- Daytrana – A patch you wear on the skin.
- Focalin / Focalin XR – May have fewer side effects than Ritalin.
- Quillivant XR / QuilliChew ER – Liquid and chewable forms.
Amphetamine-based stimulants (Also work well for ADHD):
- Adderall / Adderall XR – Short-acting lasts 4-6 hours, long-acting lasts up to 12 hours.
- Vyvanse – Lasts up to 14 hours, smoother effect.
- Dexedrine / Zenzedi – Less common but similar to Adderall.
- Mydayis – Longest-lasting, up to 16 hours.
2. Non-Stimulant Medications (For Kids Who Can’t Take Stimulants)
These help with focus and self-control but work more slowly than stimulants. They are good for kids who have anxiety, trouble sleeping, or bad side effects from stimulants.
- Strattera (Atomoxetine) – Helps focus, but takes a few weeks to work.
- Intuniv (Guanfacine) – Helps with impulsivity, aggression, and sleep.
- Kapvay (Clonidine) – Helps with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and sleep problems.
Which One is Best?
- Stimulants work best for most kids (about 70-80%).
- Non-stimulants are good if stimulants don’t work or cause bad side effects.
- Finding the right medicine may take a few tries and some adjustments.
Common meds include stimulants (like Adderall) and non-stimulants (like Strattera).
Your psychopharmacologist would recommend something like ritalin or vyvanse.
Many times a good diet rich in organic green leafy vegetables, moderate fruits and plenty of water can help many people in many ways. Also, there is a study that was published by The National Library of Medicine which included the observations of Magnesium and Vitamin D supplementation in school-aged children which reported a significant decrease in problematic behaviors, anxiety/shy scores/ and social problems when compared to the placebo in the study. There is an emphasis here in drastically reducing table sugar, candy and sweet intake as well as increasing a good diet rich in lean protein like fish and chicken with vegetables with plenty of fresh water. Now for the medication aspect. There are stimulant and non-stimulant medications used in a clinical settings to address ADHD. Some of the stimulant types are: methylphenidate and amphetamine medications that work by increasing the levels of chemical messengers in the brain concerning focus and concentration. Non-stimulant medications are reserved for those patients who can't tolerate the stimulant types. The non-stimulant types of medications are clonidine, atomoxetine, guanfacine. Also, antidepressants SSRI's and SNRI's can help as well depending on the diagnosis and the specific person. As always the benefits and risks should always be presented to the families and patients taking these medications as they are monitored by licensed clinicians, doctors, and therapists. Hope this helps.
Wishing you well,
Dr Ryan Koryciak
Wishing you well,
Dr Ryan Koryciak
Medications are given on a individual basis, but typically stimulants such as adderall or vyvanse are used. There are non-stimulant type medications such as stattera.
The treatment for ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) includes various medications that can help manage symptoms. These medications are broadly categorized into stimulants and non-stimulants. It's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for your daughter, as the effectiveness and side effects can vary from person to person. Here's an overview of the types of medications commonly used to treat ADHD:
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are the most widely used medications for ADHD and are often considered the first-line treatment. They work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Examples include:
Methylphenidate-based medications:
Ritalin
Concerta
Daytrana (patch)
Quillivant XR
Metadate
Focalin and Focalin XR
Amphetamine-based medications:
Adderall and Adderall XR
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
Evekeo
Dexedrine
Mydayis
Non-Stimulant Medications
Non-stimulant medications may be considered when stimulants are not effective or cause unacceptable side effects. They can also be used in combination with stimulants to enhance efficacy or to treat coexisting conditions. Examples include:
Atomoxetine (Strattera): Unlike stimulants, atomoxetine is not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same potential for misuse. It can take several weeks to notice the full benefits.
Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay): These are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They are also used to treat high blood pressure but can help manage ADHD symptoms when used as part of a treatment plan.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin): Though primarily an antidepressant, it's sometimes used off-label for ADHD treatment, especially if the patient has co-occurring depression or anxiety.
Important Considerations
Side Effects: Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications can have side effects. Common side effects for stimulants include decreased appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, and increased heart rate. Non-stimulants may cause side effects like fatigue, stomach upset, and drowsiness.
Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with the healthcare provider are crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and any side effects. Adjustments to the dosage or type of medication may be necessary.
Holistic Approach: Medication is often more effective when combined with behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and educational interventions.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are the most widely used medications for ADHD and are often considered the first-line treatment. They work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Examples include:
Methylphenidate-based medications:
Ritalin
Concerta
Daytrana (patch)
Quillivant XR
Metadate
Focalin and Focalin XR
Amphetamine-based medications:
Adderall and Adderall XR
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
Evekeo
Dexedrine
Mydayis
Non-Stimulant Medications
Non-stimulant medications may be considered when stimulants are not effective or cause unacceptable side effects. They can also be used in combination with stimulants to enhance efficacy or to treat coexisting conditions. Examples include:
Atomoxetine (Strattera): Unlike stimulants, atomoxetine is not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same potential for misuse. It can take several weeks to notice the full benefits.
Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay): These are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They are also used to treat high blood pressure but can help manage ADHD symptoms when used as part of a treatment plan.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin): Though primarily an antidepressant, it's sometimes used off-label for ADHD treatment, especially if the patient has co-occurring depression or anxiety.
Important Considerations
Side Effects: Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications can have side effects. Common side effects for stimulants include decreased appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, and increased heart rate. Non-stimulants may cause side effects like fatigue, stomach upset, and drowsiness.
Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with the healthcare provider are crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and any side effects. Adjustments to the dosage or type of medication may be necessary.
Holistic Approach: Medication is often more effective when combined with behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and educational interventions.
When using medication for ADHD, short-acting stimulants are typically used first, unless there are significant concerns about someone having low weight. Stimulants decrease appetite. There are a few non-stimulants that can also help individuals with ADHD, which are in your system 24/7.
The safety and effectiveness of ADHD medication has been demonstrated in thousands of studies. Medication will improve her response inhibition, which will permit her executive functions to be applied more effectively. In essence, medication closes the gap between intentions and actions.
Extended release forms of stimulants are preferred, because they offer full day coverage with smoother blood levels. It also eliminates unintentional non-compliances from forgotten midday dose. If necessary, the coverage window may be extended with a small afternoon dose of the short-acting version. I'd recommend that she start with whatever extended-release version is cheapest.
If she has severe cardiac issues, insufficiently managed bipolar disorder, seizures, tics, or glaucoma, non-stimulants would be the second option, with a preference for Strattera that also has a positive effect on anxiety, if present. It will take her longer to benefit from a non-stimulant, which can provide 24/7 coverage.
Extended release forms of stimulants are preferred, because they offer full day coverage with smoother blood levels. It also eliminates unintentional non-compliances from forgotten midday dose. If necessary, the coverage window may be extended with a small afternoon dose of the short-acting version. I'd recommend that she start with whatever extended-release version is cheapest.
If she has severe cardiac issues, insufficiently managed bipolar disorder, seizures, tics, or glaucoma, non-stimulants would be the second option, with a preference for Strattera that also has a positive effect on anxiety, if present. It will take her longer to benefit from a non-stimulant, which can provide 24/7 coverage.
