Drug Treatment of ADHD

Drug therapy is an important component of treating ADHD. There are many types of medications that can be used to control symptoms.

ADHD drugs are available in short-acting (immediate-release), intermediate-acting, and long-acting forms. It may take some time for a physician to find the best medication, dosage, and schedule for an individual with ADHD.

Stimulants for ADHD

A class of drugs called psychostimulants or stimulants have been used to effectively treat ADHD for years. These medicines help users to focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. Stimulant medications are effective in 70% to 80% of patients.

Stimulants are used to treat both moderate and severe ADHD. They may be helpful in children and adolescents. Some stimulants are approved for use in children over 3, while others are approved for children over 6. 

Stimulant drugs to treat ADHD include:

• Ritalin, Ritalin LA
• Adderall and Adderall XR
• Concerta
• Dexedrine
• Focalin and Focalin XR
• Metadate CD and Metadate ER
• Methylin
• Desoxyn
• Pemolin
• Vyvanse

Note that only some of these stimulants – like Adderall XR, Concerta, Vyvanse, and Focalin XR – are FDA-approved for adults.

Learn more about stimulant therapy.

Nonstimulants Drugs Approved to Treat ADHD

In cases where stimulants don’t work or cause unpleasant side effects, nonstimulants might help. The first nonstimulant medication, Strattera, was approved by the FDA in 2003. It's now used in children, adolescents, and adults. In 2009, the FDA approved a second nonstimulant drug, Intuniv, for children and teens between ages 6 and 17. Both medications improve concentration and impulse control.

What Other Drugs Treat ADHD?

When stimulants and nonstimulants aren't effective or well-tolerated, several other drugs are available to treat ADHD. These medications include:

• Pamelor or other tricyclic antidepressants
• Catapres or Tenex
• Wellbutrin
• Effexor
• SSRIs, such as Prozac

Side Effects of ADHD Drugs

ADHD drugs sometimes have side effects, but these tend to happen early in treatment and are usually mild and short-lived. The most common side effects of ADHD drugs include:

• Decreased appetite/weight loss
• Sleep problems
• Headaches
• Jitteriness
• Social withdrawal
• Stomachaches

Rarely, medications for ADHD can cause more serious side effects. For instance, some stimulants are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems and sudden death in children. They may also exacerbate psychiatric conditions like depression or anxiety. So before you or your children start taking any ADHD medication, make sure you talk to a doctor about all of the potential risks.

In most cases, side effects can be relieved using one of the following strategies:

• Changing the medication dosage
• Adjusting the schedule of medication
• Using a different medication

Always consult your health care provider before making any changes in your ADHD treatment regimen.