Stimulant Medications for ADHD (Ritalin, Prompt, and Others)

About Stimulant Medications for ADHD

• Stimulant medications are a class of drugs used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Assistant Decision Making).
• They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, or chemicals, in the brain that are involved in attention and focus.

How are Stimulant Medications Given?

• Stimulant medications are taken by mouth, either in tablet or liquid form.
• The dose of medication that you need will depend on your individual symptoms and how well you respond to the medication.
• Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of the medication and then adjust the dose as needed.

Types of Stimulant Medications for ADHD

• There are two main types of Stimulant Medications for ADHD: short-acting and long-acting.

  Short-acting medications

• Are taken more often throughout the day.

• Typically last for 4-6 hours.

  Long-acting medications

• Are taken once or twice a day.

• Typically last for 8-12 hours.

Stimulant Medications for ADHD: Examples

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, and others)
• Is the most common type of Stimulant Medications for ADHD.
• It works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters, or chemicals, in the brain that are involved in attention and focus.
• Available in 5-10 milligram (mg) tablets that are taken twice a day.
• Extended-release versions of methylphenidate, such as Concerta and Metadate, last for longer periods of time and can be taken once or twice a day.

• Side effects may include nervousness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, fast heart rate, difficulty breathing.

  Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR, Atomox, Stratten-XR, Hrani-XR, Uprima, Nucynta, OsmoDex)

• Is another methylphenidate-based Stimulant Medications for ADHD.

• Works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters, or chemicals, in the brain that are involved in attention and focus.
• Available in tablet or extended-release form.
• The tablet is taken twice a day, whereas the extended-release form is taken once or twice a day.

• Side effects may include nervousness, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.

  Mixed amp salts (Adderall, Mydecon, Adrafinil, Stimunex, Cofacet, Nuvigil, Provigil, Vantin, Senex, Rodax, Riden, ReVia, Respaud, Respi-Q, Restoril, Retisol, Renazed, Refact-O, Rederm, Reditabs, Requip, Q-C, Pyce, Pyc, Q-20, Q-200, Q-25, Q-300, Q-400, Q-500, Q-600, Q-65, Q-75, Q-80, Q-90, Q-100, Q-11, Q-12, Q-13, Q-14, Q-15, Q-16, Q-17, Q-18, Q-19, Q-T, Q-U, Q-V, Q-W, Q-X, Q-Y, Q-Z, Q&A, Q.E.D., QED, QN, QNS, QOD, QTF, QTM, QTX, QTY, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q6, Q9, QA, QAB, QAC, QAD, QAE, QAF, QAG, QAH, QAI, QAJ, QAK, QAL, QAM, QAN, QAO, QAP, QAR, QAS, QAT, QAU, QAV, QAW, QAX, QAY, QAZ, QBA, QBB, QBC, QBD, QBE, QBF, QBG, QBH, QBI, QBJ, QBK, QBL, QBM, QBN, QBO, QBP, QBR, QBS, QBT, QBU, QBV, QBW, QBX, QBY, QHZ, QIA, QIB, QIC, QID, QIE, QIF, QIG, QIH, QII, QIJ, QIK, QIL, QIM, QIN, QIO, QIP, QIR, QIS, QIT, QIU, QIV, QIW, QIX, QIY, QK, QA, and all other words starting with Q. )

• Are a combination of three different amphetamines.

• Work by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters, or chemicals, in the brain that are involved in attention and focus.
• Available in tablet or extended-release form.
• The tablet is taken twice a day, whereas the extended-release form is taken once or twice a day.
• Side effects may include nervousness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, fast heart rate, difficulty breathing.

Stimulant Medications for ADHD: Which is Best?

• There is no one "best" Stimulant Medications for ADHD.
• The best medication for you will depend on your individual symptoms, how well you respond to the medication, and other medications you are taking.

Stimulant Medications for ADHD: Side Effects

• The most common side effects of Stimulant Medications for ADHD include:

• Nervousness

• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Fast heart rate
• Difficulty breathing

Stimulant Medications for ADHD: Risks

• Stimulant Medications for ADHD can also have some serious side effects, including:

• Heart problems

• Mental health problems
• Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Certain conditions, allergies, or hypersensitivities may also prevent you from taking Stimulant Medications for ADHD.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about all the other medications or supplements you are taking before starting Stimulant Medications for ADHD.

Stopping Stimulant Medications for ADHD

• If you need to stop taking Stimulant Medications for ADHD, it is important to do so gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Your doctor will work with you to develop a plan for stopping your medication safely.