Medications
Several medications are available to treat ADHD.
Psychostimulants: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Similar Drugs
Psychostimulants are the primary drugs used to treat ADHD. Although these drugs stimulate the central nervous system, they have a calming effect on people with ADHD.
These drugs include:
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
- Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat)
Pemoline (Cylert), another stimulant drug, was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005 after several reports of liver failure.
As of 2006, all ADHD stimulant medications carry warnings that they should not be used by patients with structural heart problems or pre-existing heart conditions (high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart rhythm disturbances). These drugs have been associated with sudden death in children with heart problems. They have also been associated with sudden death, stroke, and heart attack in adults with a history of heart disease. In February 2007, the Food and Drug Administration directed manufacturers of ADHD medications to warn all patients taking these medicines of potential cardiovascular and psychiatric risks.
Methylphenidate and Dexmethylphenidate. Methylphenidate drugs (Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta, Daytrana) are the most commonly used psychostimulants for treating ADHD in both children and adults. Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) is a similar drug. These drugs increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for cognitive functions such as attention and focus.
With the exception of Daytrana, all of these drugs are pills taken by mouth. Daytrana, approved in 2006, is the first skin patch drug for ADHD. A patch is applied to the hip each day and delivers a 9-hour dose of methylphenidate.
These drugs are available in short-acting and long-acting dosage forms. The short-acting forms need to be taken several times a day, including during school hours. As the drug wears off, a rebound effect can occur, and ADHD symptoms can intensify. For this reason, the long-acting dosage forms have become popular.
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