How is pharmacotherapy used to treat ADHD?

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How is pharmacotherapy used to treat ADHD?

A group of drugs called psychostimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD. The two most commonly used medicines in this class are methylphenidates (often known as Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (similar to Adderall). These medicines help people with ADHD focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. Stimulant medicines are effective in 70% to 90% of patients with ADHD. New medicines are also being developed.

Examples of short-acting (immediate-release), intermediate-acting and long-acting forms of these medications include:

Methylphenidates

  • Short-acting: Ritalin®, Focalin®, Methylin Chewable®, Methylin Solution®.
  • Long-acting intermediate release: Ritalin SR®, Methylin®, Metadate ER®.
  • Long-acting extended-release: Concerta®, Aptensio® XR, Metadate CD®, Metadate ER®, Ritalin LA®, Focalin XR®, Daytrana®, Quillivant XR® (liquid) Jornay.

D-Amphetamines

  • Short-acting: Dextrostat®, Dexedrine Tabs®, Evekeo®, Zenzedi®, Adderall®, ProCentra®.
  • Long-acting intermediate release: Adderall®, Dexedrine Spansule®.
  • Long-acting extended-release: Vyvanse®, Adderall XR®, Dyanavel® XR, Adzenys® XR-ODT.

Non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine (Strattera®,) guanfacine (Intuniv®), and clonidine (Kapvay®). They are often used as additional treatment, or can be used on their own if the healthcare provider approves. New nonstimulant formulations are in the pipeline of several pharmaceutical companies.

There’s no way to really know which medicine(s) and dosage level(s) will work best for you or your child until you try it out. Your healthcare provider may need to prescribe several different formulations and see how you your or your child react. Typically the physician will “start low (in dose) and go slow.”

The most common side effects of ADHD medications include decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and irritability. Fortunately, side effects are often mild and short-lived and usually happen early in treatment. If they continue or interfere with you or your child’s daily life, your provider will probably change your medication or lower the dose. The most important question to ask is, “Does the benefit of the medicine outweigh the side effect?” The most effective treatment is medicine combined with behavioral therapy.

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