The 5 types of ADHD medications licensed for the treatment of ADHD, and their known side effects

Introduction

This article is not a debate on whether to use ADHD medications or not. As with any medical advice, those are conversations to be had with a medical professional.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition can make it challenging to focus on tasks and complete them efficiently. These difficulties also form part of executive functions.

Fortunately, there are medications available to help manage the symptoms of ADHD. However, like any medication, they come with potential side effects that you should be aware of before starting treatment. In this blog post, we will delve into what you can expect when prescribed ADHD medication and provide you with all the information necessary to make an informed decision about your treatment options.

Types of ADHD medication

There are several types of ADHD medication that can be prescribed, but they all fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulant medications work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to improve focus and attention. Non-stimulant medications, on the other hand, work differently by targeting other neurotransmitters.

The most commonly prescribed stimulant medication is methylphenidate (Ritalin), which comes in short-acting and long-acting forms. Other stimulants include amphetamines like Adderall or Dexedrine.

Non-stimulant medications used for ADHD treatment include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv).

Antidepressant medications can also be used to treat symptoms of ADHD, particularly if a person also has depression or anxiety disorders. Wellbutrin is one example of an antidepressant sometimes prescribed for this purpose.

It’s important to note that not all medications will work for everyone with ADHD. Finding the right medication often requires some trial and error under close medical supervision to tailor a specific regime based on individual needs.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to understand that medication should always be part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside other therapies such as behavioral therapy or counseling.

How ADHD medication works

ADHD medication works by changing the balance of certain chemicals in the brain that affect attention and behavior. These medications stimulate or inhibit specific neurotransmitters to help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and increase self-control.

Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed type of ADHD medication. They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps improve attention and reduce hyperactivity. Non-stimulant medications work differently, targeting other neurotransmitters such as serotonin or norepinephrine.

It’s important to note that while these medications can be effective in managing ADHD symptoms, they do not cure ADHD nor address all issues related to it. They may also have side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep problems or mood changes.

The effectiveness of ADHD medication varies from person to person depending on several factors including dosage, individual response to medication and lifestyle habits like diet and exercise.

Understanding how different types of ADHD medication work is an essential part of choosing the right treatment plan for managing symptoms effectively.

It is useful to note that these medications are not helpful for the treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder alone, but it does help if ODD co-occurs alongside ADHD. 

Some studies have shown that as many as 40 percent of people with Sensory Processing Disorder or ADHD will actually have both conditions. This overlap is important for doctors to know, because treatment should be tailored to each child’s unique situation. Stimulant medication for ADHD, for example, won’t help a child’s SPD.

List of the 5 types of ADHD medications licensed to treat ADHD

There are five main types of medication that have been licensed to treat ADHD. These medications work by changing the level or activity of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is important to note that not every medication will be effective for every person with ADHD.

Alpha-agonists are another class of non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity. Clonidine and guanfacine are two examples.

There is a new drug on the market called Mydayis that combines four different types of amphetamines into one pill designed to last up to 16 hours per dose.

It’s essential always to consult with your doctor before starting any new medication regimen since side effects vary from person-to-person depending on age, sex, weight among other factors.

The 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 someone was not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, a GP and specialist can discuss which medicines and therapies are suitable for them.

If prescribed one of these medicines, they will probably be given small doses at first, which may then be gradually increased. They 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 is important to let the GP know about any side effects and to talk to them if you feel you need to stop or change treatment.

Specialist will discuss how long treatment should be taken 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

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

For a complete list of drug names, brand names, duration and side effects of used medications for ADHD, please see our internationally accredited online course: Understanding ADHD

Side effects of ADHD medication

While ADHD medication can be effective in managing symptoms of the disorder, it is important to be aware of potential side effects that may occur. Every individual’s reaction to medication is different, and some people may experience more severe side effects than others.

Common side effects of ADHD medication include appetite suppression, trouble sleeping, stomach pain and headaches. These are usually mild and should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if these side effects persist or worsen over time, you should speak with your doctor about adjusting your dosage or trying a different type of ADHD medication.

Other less common but potentially serious side effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, mood changes such as irritability or anxiety, and even hallucinations in rare cases. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking ADHD medication, seek medical attention immediately.

It’s important to note that not everyone who takes ADHD medication will experience negative side effects. In fact, many people take their prescribed medications without issue for extended periods of time.

Being aware of potential side effects associated with ADHD medications is crucial when making informed decisions about treatment options alongside your healthcare provider.

Pros and cons of taking ADHD medication

Taking ADHD medication can bring both benefits and drawbacks. One of the main advantages is that it can help reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention symptoms which can improve focus, productivity and overall quality of life. It may also increase self-esteem by reducing the negative effects of untreated ADHD.

On the other hand, some people may experience side-effects such as nausea or loss of appetite while taking ADHD medication. These side effects could lead to weight loss especially for children who are prescribed with stimulant medications. Misuse or overuse could lead to addiction and dependence on these drugs.

Another potential disadvantage is that not all patients respond positively to ADHD medication. In such cases where a patient does not show improvement after trying different types of medications recommended by their healthcare provider, alternative treatments like therapy or lifestyle changes should be considered instead.

It’s important for individuals with ADHD to weigh out the benefits against any possible adverse effects before deciding whether or not to take medication for their condition. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual and his/her doctor to decide what treatment plan will work best based on an individual’s unique needs and circumstances.

Conclusion

ADHD medication can be a helpful treatment option for those who struggle with attention and hyperactivity. It’s important to understand the different types of medications available, as well as their potential side effects and benefits. Before starting any medication, it’s crucial to discuss options with your healthcare provider and weigh the risks and benefits.

While ADHD medication may not be appropriate or effective for everyone, it is one tool that can assist in managing symptoms. Remember that medication should always be used alongside other treatments such as therapy, lifestyle changes like exercise and healthy eating habits ,as well as organizational strategies.

If you are considering taking ADHD medication or have questions about its use,talk to your doctor.

They will help you make an informed decision on whether this treatment option is right for you.