Medications approved to treat ADHD include stimulants, like Adderall and Ritalin, and non-stimulants, likeStratteraand Intuniv.
Antidepressants, like Wellbutrin, are also prescribed off-label to treat ADHD.
This article discusses ADHD medication.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
It describes how different types of ADHD medicines work to manage ADHD symptoms.
It also explains common ADHD medication side effects.
Types of ADHD Medications
ADHD medications balanceneurotransmittersin the brain like norepinephrine and dopamine to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants.
Stimulantsare the oldest and most common bang out of medication used to treat ADHD.
They work quickly to increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Stimulants can increase a persons energy, alertness, and attention and are available in short-acting and extended-release formulas.
Non-stimulantsare newer ADHD drugs that increase norepinephrine levels.
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists do not act as quickly as stimulants and may not always be effective.
They can be used in combination with other ADHD medications.
Antidepressants,includingserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRIs), are occasionally prescribed off-label to treat ADHD.
Boosting these neurotransmitters helps manage ADHD symptoms.
Stimulant medications are derived from either amphetamine or methylphenidate.
Both have similar effects but work slightly differently.
For example, methylphenidate tends to work faster, but the effects don’t last as long.
Stimulants come in short-acting and extended-release formulas.
Stimulant ADHD medications are available in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid formulas.
A transdermal ADHD medication, Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine), was approved in 2022.
These include:
Stimulants can also trigger depression or even suicidal thoughts, though rare.
Different formulas may have additional side effects.
Stimulants also carry a risk of addiction.
An SNRI, it works to control ADHD symptoms by increasing norepinephrine in the brain.
Strattera can be taken once a day or split into two doses (morning and evening).
The medication can be taken with or without food.
It is available in brand-name and generic atomoxetine.
Strattera is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adults.
Qelbree is only available in a brand-name formula.
It is taken once a day, with or without food.
Qelbree is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older and adults.
Both drugs are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, which act on norepinephrine in the brain.
Brand-names include:
Onyda XR contains an ER formulation of clonidine.
It is a liquid taken by mouth once daily at bedtime.
Onyda XR is FDA-approved for treating ADHD in children 6 years and older.
Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) can be taken as a single dose once daily.
Antidepressants are also non-stimulants.
Like other types of non-stimulants, antidepressants are an option when first-line ADHD treatments havent helped.
Your provider may also recommend that you try taking an antidepressant along with ADHD medications.
Both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications are approved for children and adults.
For example, a child may need a lower dose than an adult.
Summary
ADHD medications generally fall into one of two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Newer, non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera, are also an option.
Some providers also recommend trying antidepressants either on their own or with ADHD medications.
As with all medications, ADHD medications come with side effects and risks.
But there are also risks of having untreated ADHD.
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