Types of adhd medicine: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Treatment
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Treatment
Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can help relieve the symptoms and make the condition much less of a problem in day-to-day life.
ADHD can be treated using medicine or therapy, but a combination of both is often best.
Treatment is usually arranged by a specialist, such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist, although the condition may be monitored by a GP.
Medicine
There are 5 types of medicine licensed for the treatment of ADHD:
- methylphenidate
- lisdexamfetamine
- dexamfetamine
- atomoxetine
- guanfacine
These medicines are not a permanent cure for ADHD but may help someone with the condition concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, and learn and practise new skills.
Some medicines need to be taken every day, but some can be taken just on school days. Treatment breaks are occasionally recommended to assess whether the medicine is still needed.
If you were not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, a GP and specialist can discuss which medicines and therapies are suitable for you.
If you or your child is prescribed one of these medicines, you’ll probably be given small doses at first, which may then be gradually increased. You or your child will need to see a GP for regular check-ups to ensure the treatment is working effectively and check for signs of any side effects or problems.
It’s important to let the GP know about any side effects and talk to them if you feel you need to stop or change treatment.
Your specialist will discuss how long you should take your treatment but, in many cases, treatment is continued for as long as it is helping.
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.
Methylphenidate may be offered to adults, teenagers and children over the age of 5 with ADHD.
The medicine can be taken as either immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) or as modified-release tablets (taken once a day in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day).
Common side effects of methylphenidate include:
- a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate
- loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain
- trouble sleeping
- headaches
- stomach aches
- feeling aggressive, irritable, depressed, anxious or tense
Read more about methylphenidate for adults
Read more about methylphenidate for children
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine that stimulates certain parts of the brain.
It improves concentration, helps focus attention and reduces impulsive behaviour.
It may be offered to teenagers and children over the age of 5 with ADHD if at least 6 weeks of treatment with methylphenidate has not helped.
Adults may be offered lisdexamfetamine as the first-choice medicine instead of methylphenidate.
Lisdexamfetamine comes in capsule form, taken once a day.
Common side effects of lisdexamfetamine include:
- decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain
- aggression
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- headaches
- diarrhoea
- nausea and vomiting
Dexamfetamine
Dexamfetamine is similar to lisdexamfetamine and works in the same way.
It may be offered to adults, teenagers and children over the age of 5 with ADHD.
Dexamfetamine is usually taken as a tablet 2 to 4 times a day, although an oral solution is also available.
Common side effects of dexamfetamine include:
- decreased appetite
- mood swings
- agitation and aggression
- dizziness
- headaches
- diarrhoea
- nausea and vomiting
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine works differently from other ADHD medicines.
It’s a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which means it increases the amount of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline.
This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and help control impulses.
Atomoxetine may be offered to adults, teenagers and children over the age of 5 if it’s not possible to use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. It’s also licensed for use in adults if symptoms of ADHD are confirmed.
Atomoxetine comes in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day.
Common side effects of atomoxetine include:
- a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach aches
- trouble sleeping
- dizziness
- headaches
- irritability
Atomoxetine has also been linked to some more serious side effects that are important to look out for, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
If either you or your child begin to feel depressed or suicidal while taking this medicine, speak to your doctor.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine acts on part of the brain to improve attention, and it also reduces blood pressure.
It may be offered to teenagers and children over the age of 5 if it’s not possible to use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Guanfacine should not be offered to adults with ADHD.
Guanfacine is usually taken as a tablet once a day, in the morning or evening.
Common side effects include:
- tiredness or fatigue
- headache
- abdominal pain
- dry mouth
Therapy
As well as taking medicine, different therapies can be useful in treating ADHD in children, teenagers and adults. Therapy is also effective in treating additional problems, such as conduct or anxiety disorders, that may appear with ADHD.
Here are some of the therapies that may be used.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation means you or your child will be encouraged to discuss ADHD and its effects. It can help children, teenagers and adults make sense of being diagnosed with ADHD, and can help you to cope and live with the condition.
Behaviour therapy
Behaviour therapy provides support for carers of children with ADHD and may involve teachers as well as parents. Behaviour therapy usually involves behaviour management, which uses a system of rewards to encourage your child to try to control their ADHD.
If your child has ADHD, you can identify types of behaviour you want to encourage, such as sitting at the table to eat. Your child is then given some sort of small reward for good behaviour.
For teachers, behaviour management involves learning how to plan and structure activities, and to praise and encourage children for even very small amounts of progress.
Parent training and education programmes
If your child has ADHD, specially tailored parent training and education programmes can help you learn specific ways of talking to your child, and playing and working with them to improve their attention and behaviour.
You may also be offered parent training before your child is formally diagnosed with ADHD.
These programmes are usually arranged in groups of around 10 to 12 parents. A programme usually consists of 10 to 16 meetings, lasting up to 2 hours each.
Being offered a parent training and education programme does not mean you have been a bad parent – it aims to teach parents and carers about behaviour management, while increasing confidence in your ability to help your child and improve your relationship.
Social skills training
Social skills training involves your child taking part in role-play situations and aims to teach them how to behave in social situations by learning how their behaviour affects others.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. A therapist would try to change how you or your child feels about a situation, which would in turn potentially change their behaviour.
CBT can be carried out with a therapist individually or in a group.
Other possible treatments
There are other ways of treating ADHD that some people with the condition find helpful, such as cutting out certain foods and taking supplements. However, there’s no strong evidence these work, and they should not be attempted without medical advice.
Diet
People with ADHD should eat a healthy, balanced diet. Do not cut out foods before seeking medical advice.
Some people may notice a link between types of food and worsening ADHD symptoms.
If this is the case, keep a diary of what you eat and drink, and what behaviour follows. Discuss this with a GP, who may refer you to a dietitian (a healthcare professional who specialises in nutrition).
Supplements
Some studies have suggested that supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may be beneficial for people with ADHD, although the evidence supporting this is very limited.
It’s advisable to talk to a GP before using any supplements, because some can react unpredictably with medicine or make it less effective.
You should also remember that some supplements should not be taken long term, as they can reach dangerous levels in your body.
Tips for parents
If you’re the parent of a child with ADHD:
- be sure your GP or specialist helps you understand the difference between ADHD and any other problems your child may have
- think about who else needs to know about your child’s ADHD, such as their school or nursery
- find out the side effects of any medicine your child takes and what you need to look out for
- getting to know people at local support groups can stop you feeling isolated and help you to cope
The charity AADD-UK has a list of support groups across the UK, including groups for adults, parents and carers.
Read more about living with ADHD
Page last reviewed: 24 December 2021
Next review due: 24 December 2024
Compare ADHD Drug Treatments & Side Effects
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
- ARTICLES ON ADHD MEDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
- Types of Short-Acting Stimulants and Side Effects
- Types of Intermediate and Long-Acting Stimulants and Side Effects
- Types of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications and Side Effects
- Types of Antidepressant ADHD Medications and Side Effects
- ADHD Medicines and Safety
- Treatment for ADHD and Other Conditions
- More
- ADHD Medication Chart
- Long-Term Effects of Stimulants
- ADHD Stimulants and Your Weight
- ADHD and Exercise
Medication is an important part of your ADHD treatment. Doctors can choose from many types of drugs to control symptoms of the disorder.
You and your doctor will work together to figure out which medication is right for you, along with the ideal dose (amount) and schedule (how often or when you need to take it).
It may take some time to find the best combination.
Medications may not work for all ADHD symptoms or affect everyone the same way. A combination of medication, therapy, behavior changes, and skills training is often the most effective treatment. This is called multimodal treatment.
The ones most widely used to treat ADHD include:
- Stimulants. This group of drugs has treated ADHD for several decades. These medicines might help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. Stimulant meds work for 70% to 80% of people. They’re used to treat moderate and severe ADHD. They may be helpful for children, teens, and adults who have a hard time at school, work, or home. Some stimulants are approved for use in children over age 3. Others are approved for children over age 6.
- Non-stimulants. In cases where stimulants don’t work or cause unpleasant side effects, non-stimulants might help. These medications can improve symptoms like concentration and impulse control.
- Antidepressants. People with ADHD often have depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder too. They may take an antidepressant to control mental health issues or other conditions along with a stimulant for ADHD.
Side effects of short-acting stimulants include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, crankiness, and tics. You have to take them often.
The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisers are also concerned that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may make heart and psychiatric problems more likely.
Side effects of these medications include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, crankiness, and tics. Long-acting medicines may have greater effects on appetite and sleep. The FDA warns about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisers are also concerned that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may make heart and psychiatric problems more likely.
Non-stimulant medications usually take a while to start working. It could be several weeks before you feel the full effects. Also, they may not work as well as stimulants. Some non-stimulant medications may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and death by suicide in teens. The FDA warns that anyone taking atomoxetine (Strattera) should be monitored for suicidal thoughts, especially during the first few weeks. Common side effects of these drugs include fatigue, upset stomach, dry mouth, and nausea. Your blood pressure often rises when you stop taking them.
Drug Name | Brand Name | Duration | Notes |
Atomoxetine | Strattera | 24 hours | Sleep problems, anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth. Although rare, can cause liver damage. Higher risk of suicide in adults ages 18-24. |
Clonidine | Catapres | 4-6 hours | Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure. |
Clonidine | Catapres-TTS patch | Up to 7 days | Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure. |
Clonidine | Kapvay | 12 hours | Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure. |
Guanfacine | Intuniv | 24 hours | Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure. |
| Guanfacine | Tenex | 6-8 hours | Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure. |
| Viloxazine | Qelbree | 12 Hours | Tiredness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, irritability, decreased appetite |
These medications can be used off-label to treat ADHD symptoms. That means doctors can prescribe them even though they haven’t been approved by the FDA for use with ADHD, Side effects often include trouble sleeping, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, sweating, and changes in sex drive. The FDA has also warned about a connection between antidepressants and a higher risk of suicide in adults ages 18-24, especially in the first 1 or 2 months.
Drug Name | Brand Name | Duration | Notes |
Bupropion | Wellbutrin | 4-5 hours | Headaches. Although rare, may make you more likely to have seizures. |
Bupropion | Wellbutrin SR | 12 hours | Headaches. Although rare, may make you more likely to have seizures. |
Bupropion | Wellbutrin XL | 24 hours | Headaches. Although rare, may make you more likely to have seizures. |
Desipramine | Norpramin | 8-24 hours | Not recommended for children. Associated with rare cases of fatal heart problems. |
Imipramine | Tofranil | 8-24 hours | Anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth, higher heart rate, risk of heart arrhythmias. |
| Nortriptyline | Aventyl, Pamelor | 8-24 hours | Anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth, higher heart rate, risk of heart arrhythmias. |
Experts generally consider these medicines safe when they are monitored properly by a professional.
Serious problems are rare. Discuss the risks and benefits of these drugs with your doctor.
Up to 80% of people with ADHD also have another mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. These issues and their treatment can affect ADHD, and vice versa. For example, some stimulant medications can make anxiety symptoms worse. But your doctor can often safely combine treatments for depression and ADHD. Your treatment plan will depend on your overall mental health.
Top Picks
How to treat ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Read the first part of the article (on diagnosing ADHD) here.
Passionate controversy accompanies the use of drugs. In the United States, stimulants are used to treat the symptoms of ADHD, the most common of which is Ritalin (methylphenidad). Their use is sharply criticized by some experts, the public, the World Health Organization expresses concern about them, but a number of medical agencies insist on the effectiveness and safety of stimulants.
Studies confirming the efficacy of stimulants and counter-work demonstrating ineffectiveness, harmful side effects, and the risk of cocaine addiction in adolescence in long-term stimulant users could be the subject of a separate article.
Both in the West and in Russia, antipsychotic drugs (Sonapax, Neuleptil, Rispolept, Abilify, Seroquel) are widely used to reduce hyperactivity and excitability of a child. Meanwhile, studies show that these drugs reduce the volume of brain tissue, not to mention such side effects as weight gain, increased blood cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, the development of diabetes, tremors, up to tardive dyskinesia.
In the UK, the right to prescribe antipsychotics is given not only to narrow specialists, but also to pediatricians. In 2011, the British found that over the past 10 years the number of children taking these drugs has doubled, and among them there are many who are barely 5 years old.
This made a strong impression on the government, which decided to allocate 32 million pounds to expand mental health services for children and adolescents.
As mentioned in the first part of the article, it is very important to conduct a medical examination of a child with ADHD. In some cases, by taking control of physical problems, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impaired attention. For example, this happens when the normal blood supply to the brain is restored after the correction of birth injuries of the cervical spine.
In Russia, to improve brain metabolism and increase cortical tone, children with ADHD are often prescribed nootropic drugs (piracetam, encephabol, akatinol memantine, glycine, phenibut).
We often hear from doctors that they observe a positive effect of drugs in their practice, but their effectiveness has not been clinically proven.
The image of a child with an unnamed diagnosis of ADHD – inattentive in class, poorly in time, unorganized in everyday life – is often used to advertise multivitamins. I drank the Alphabet and immediately mastered the alphabet and other academic knowledge and skills. In fact, it is unlikely that multivitamins will produce just such an effect. This does not exclude the possibility that a number of specific nutrients may have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms.
There are studies (like this one) that show a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in children and adolescents with ADHD, as well as a positive effect of taking them (like this). The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil, which is beneficial in many ways and has no harmful side effects, except for individual intolerance.
Photo courtesy of huffingtonpost.com
In this French study, 40 children with symptoms of ADHD were given vitamin B6 (0.
6 mg per 1 kg of body weight) and magnesium (6 mg per 1 kg of body weight) daily for 8 weeks. The study participants significantly decreased hyperactivity and aggressiveness, and improved attention. Children in the control group who took placebo showed no such changes. A few weeks after the end of the course, the symptoms of ADHD in children from the experimental group resumed, which also indicates that the improvements were provided precisely by the intake of B6 and magnesium.
For a child and adolescent with ADHD, dietary patterns are important. Some parents are very happy with the effects of a gluten-free/casein-free diet (eliminating the protein gluten found in wheat, rye and a number of other grains, and casein found in milk), which is often recommended for children with autism who share some of the common symptoms of ADHD. (Mercy published a detailed article on the gluten-free diet). Others praise the sugar-free diet (excluding polysaccharides, that is, sucrose and starches), which is also called the specific carbohydrate diet or paleo diet in Russian-language sources, and SCD, GAPS, Paleo Diet in English-language sources.
A recent meta-analysis by Danish scientists suggests that the best results in ADHD were achieved by elimination diets that eliminated certain foods that provoke hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. By the way, the same study also revealed the usefulness of fish oil for children with ADHD.
Experts advise parents to identify foods to which a child may have an individual intolerance. To do this, you need to rotate products, alternately removing them from the diet for a week or two, observing the severity of ADHD symptoms and evaluating the result.
Dr. Richard Sogn, a child psychiatrist and one of America’s leading experts on ADHD, believes that anything that is good for the brain is good for children with ADHD. First of all, their diet should be rich in protein in the form of meat, eggs, nuts, cheese, legumes. He advises to give these products to the child for breakfast, and also as a snack between lessons.
Carbohydrates are necessary, but in the form of vegetables and fruits, but sugar, sweets, flour products, rice and potatoes should be eliminated or severely limited.
It is important to include fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts, Brazil nuts, olive oil, and canola oil in your diet.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding foods with preservatives and artificial food coloring in children with ADHD, and some experts believe that all food additives should be avoided.
The most important method of treating ADHD is behavioral therapy: for children, this is primarily Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), for adolescents and young people – cognitive behavioral therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Applied Behavior Analysis is considered the gold standard in behavioral intervention for autistic children in the US and the UK, but is also being applied to children with ADHD.
In Russia, this method appeared not so long ago and mainly due to the efforts of parents-activists with the continuing resistance of domestic defectology and correctional pedagogy, who declared this therapy to be training.
Such an opinion can only be formed with a very superficial acquaintance with this technique. In fact, it is based on a careful analysis of the child’s behavior, allowing to identify his strengths and weaknesses and create a carefully structured behavior modification program based on the encouragement of the desired behavior of the child.
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find a competent behavioral analyst and therapist outside the capital, but many parents complete distance courses, participate in conferences, seminars and webinars in order to learn the basics of therapy and help their child on their own. (You can learn more about this in the group “Autism Problem Center”).
There are also home behavioral strategies that experts recommend to parents. Make it up and make sure your child follows it. In general, ADHD is a diagnosis in which a child can overcome his limitations only with the help of his parents, even if they are handled by the most highly qualified specialists. sources: ADHD Diets Facts About ADHD Make an appointment Treatment of ADHD in adults Rehabilitation clinic “In a NEW DAY” specializes in the treatment of adults with ADHD. We have developed and effectively applied a set of rehabilitation measures for ADHD. Individual approach Each patient has his own doctor – a neurologist. He knows everything about the patient and his disease, if necessary, he can make adjustments to the course of treatment at any stage. The main thing is the result. At the end of the course of treatment, individually developed recommendations are issued. Treatment is always a complex Taking into account the variant of the course, the age of the patient, the severity of manifestations, the most appropriate methods and their combinations are selected: (BOS). In everyday life, ADHD patients are not recommended to engage in sports that involve a competitive nature and have a pronounced emotional component, for example, martial arts, team games. Useful jogging, swimming (non-competitive), cycling, skiing. To improve the psychological and emotional state, reduce anxiety, overcome depression, sleep disorders, various methods of psychotherapy are used. The choice of a technique suitable for a particular patient is carried out by a psychologist or psychotherapist. Relaxation techniques: special relaxation massages, relaxation sessions, medical treatment. Innovative techniques Translingual neurostimulation (TLNS) is an effect on the brain through the stimulation of tongue receptors. This is an advanced innovative technique, most effectively used in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, and as we know, ADHD belongs to such diseases. Continuity and recurrence ADHD has a favorable course when properly treated. It is important to maintain the results achieved. To do this, at discharge, we give detailed individually developed recommendations. As long as there is any residual symptomatology, courses of treatment should be repeated, as a rule, 2-3 times a year. Sign up for a consultation Fill out the form +7 (812) 603-70-10 Attention deficit disorder in adults ADHD is a childhood-onset neurological behavioral disorder characterized by difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention, excessive motor activity (hyperactivity) and incontinence (impulsivity). In recent years, the frequency of ADHD has increased, including among adults. It used to be thought that by adolescence, the symptoms of ADHD would significantly lessen or go away. However, now these ideas have changed: in 30-70% of cases, ADHD persists into adulthood. Most often this is due to insufficiently effective treatment in childhood. More about ADHD All processes occurring in the nervous system are based on two oppositely directed mechanisms: excitation and inhibition. Normally they are balanced. However, the formation of the nervous system does not occur immediately after birth. The brain is mainly formed before the age of 8 years, but finally only by the age of 25. Therefore, in children, arousal and inhibition often get out of control, in some cases leading to ADHD. Over time, the brain matures and the symptoms of ADHD improve or go away on their own. But even in an adult, cognitive, behavioral, and motor In general, the manifestations in children and adults do not differ, but there are features. First, if a child does not have ADHD, then an adult will not develop this disease. Therefore, ADHD in adults is not a separate disease, but disorders that have persisted since childhood. Secondly, in adults, attention disorders prevail over manifestations of hyperactivity. It is difficult for such people to concentrate and maintain attention, so many activities that require concentration may not be available to them. Hyperactivity can be manifested by restlessness, so sedentary sedentary work is not suitable for them. And thirdly, the presence of ADHD in adulthood requires careful examination to exclude other disorders, incl. mental illness. Manifestations of ADHD depend on the course of the disease. Types of ADHD in adults Attention deficit (deficiency) predominate Hyperactivity predominate Mixed ADHD Symptoms of ADHD in adults 6 months): Symptoms of hyperactivity (in adults, at least 5 symptoms for at least 6 months):
Parents need a deep understanding of the problems and needs of the child, patience and willingness to go with him a long and difficult path to recovery or maximum adaptation for an independent successful life. ADHD in adults – treatment, symptoms, diagnosis
Cognitive training is used for attention deficit. Acupuncture (IRT) is traditionally used to restore the regulation of many organs, including the brain.
The use of TLNS allows you to restore the regulation of excitation-inhibition processes in a short time, which ultimately leads to an improvement in the course of ADHD, the best psychological and motor correction. In addition, TLNS has a positive effect on cognitive functions, such as concentration and memory, improves sleep, allowing the body to restore its neurotransmitter stores and have a good rest.
disorders resulting from ADHD.
That is why the prevalence of ADHD in adults, although it has increased in recent years, still remains much less than in children.
Impulsivity can be manifested by conflicts in the family and at work.
tasks
active resistance
thoughts)