User:Darienwillis

Medication

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) 10 mg tablets Stimulant medications are the pharmaceutical treatment of choice.[131][132] They have at least some effect in the short term in about 80% of people.[21] There are a number of non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, bupropion, guanfacine, and clonidine that may be used as alternatives.[131] There are no good studies comparing the various medications; however, they appear more or less equal with respect to side effects.[133] Stimulants appear to improve academic performance while atomoxetine does not.[134] There is little evidence on their effects on social behaviors.[133] Medications are not recommended for preschool children, as the long-term effects in this age group are not known.[18][135] The long-term effects of stimulants generally are unclear with one study finding benefit, another finding no benefit and a third finding evidence of harm.[136] Magnetic resonance imaging studies suggest that long-term treatment with amphetamine or methylphenidate decreases abnormalities in brain structure and function found in subjects with ADHD.[137][138][139] Atomoxetine, due to its lack of abuse potential, may be preferred in those who are at risk of abusing stimulant medication.[1] Guidelines on when to use medications vary by country, with the United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommending use only in severe cases, while most United States guidelines recommend medications in nearly all cases.[140]

While stimulants and atomoxetine are usually safe, there are side-effects and contraindications to their use.[131] Stimulants may result in psychosis or mania; however, this is relatively uncommon.[141] Regular monitoring has been recommended in those on long-term treatment.[142] Stimulant therapy should be stopped from time to assess for continuing need for medication.[143] Stimulant medications have the potential for abuse and dependence;[144] several studies indicate that untreated ADHD is associated with elevated risk of substance abuse and conduct disorders.[93] The use of stimulants appears to either reduce this risk or have no effect on it.[1][93] The safety of these medications in pregnancy is unclear.[145]

Zinc deficiency has been associated with inattentive symptoms and there is evidence that zinc supplementation can benefit children with ADHD who have low zinc levels.[84] Iron, magnesium and iodine may also have an effect on ADHD symptoms.[146] There is evidence of a modest benefit of omega 3 fatty acid supplementation, but it is not recommended in place of traditional medication.[147]

The chart below shows all the common side-effects and the harmfulness it causes with intake.

ADHD Medication Chart

Class Drug Name Form Duration Common Side Effects AmphetamineStimulants Adderall Short-acting 4-6 hours Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleepproblems, irritability, tics. Short-acting medicines require frequent dosing. Dexedrine Short-acting 4-6 hours Dextrostat Short-acting 4-6 hours Dexedrine Spansule Long-acting 6-8 hours Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleepproblems, irritability, tics. Long-acting medicines are convenient but may have greater effects on appetite and sleep. Adderall XR

Long-acting 8-12 hours Vyvanse Long-acting

(prodrug)

10-12 hours MethylphenidateStimulants Focalin Short-acting 4-6 hours Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics. Short-acting medicines require frequent dosing. Methylin Short-acting 3-4 hours Ritalin Short-acting 3-4 hours Metadate ER Intermediate-acting 6-8 hours Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics. Longer-acting medicines are convenient but may have greater effects on appetite and sleep. Methylin ER Intermediate-acting 6-8 hours Ritalin SR Intermediate-acting 4-8 hours Metadate CD Intermediate-acting 8-10 hours Ritalin LA Intermediate-acting 8-10 hours Concerta Long-acting 10-12 hours Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics. Longer-acting medicines are convenient but may have greater side effects on appetite and sleep. Quillivant XR Long-acting 12 hours Focalin XR Long-acting 6-10 hours Daytranapatch Long-acting 10-12 hour Skin irritation, some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics. Nonstimulants Strattera Long-acting (extended release) 24 hours Sleep problems, anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth. Rarely, liver damage. There are some concerns about a link between Strattera and suicidalthoughts. Intuniv Long-acting (extended release) 24 hours Sleepiness, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain. Rarely, Intuniv can cause low blood pressure and heart rhythm changes. Antidepressants Wellbutrin Short-acting 4-5 hours Sleep problems, headaches. Although rare, Wellbutrin may increase the risk of seizures. Wellbutrin SR Sustained release (long-acting) 12 hours Wellbutrin XL Extended release (long-acting) 24 hours Tofranil NA 8-24 hours Sleep problems, anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth, elevated heart rate, risk of heart arrhythmias. Pamelor NA 8-24 hours Aventyl NA 8-24 hours Norpramin NA 8-24 hours Not recommended for children. Associated with rare cases of fatal heart problems. Blood Pressure Medicines Clonidine

Catapresor

Kapvay

NA 4-6 hours (tablets)

24 hours (patch)

24 hours (Tablet taken twice a day)

Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure. Tenex NA 6-8 hours ADHD Medicines and Safety The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisors are also concerned about the possibility that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may increase the risk of heart and psychiatric problems.

The FDA has also issued a warning about a connection between antidepressants (including the non-stimulant Strattera) and an increased risk of suicide in adults aged 18-24, especially in the first one or two months of treatment.

While these risks may seem alarming, keep in mind that experts generally consider these medicines safe when they are monitored properly by a professional. Serious problems are rare. Still, you should discuss the risks and benefits of these drugs with your doctor.