The ADHD medications list seems to grow larger with each passing day. There have been treatments added to the ADHD medication list to treat not only attention deficit disorder but co-existing conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder) as well.
The fact that the ADHD medications list is ever expanding is not all that surprising either. Why? Because attention deficit disorder impacts a large number of men, women, and children and the condition is one involving neurotransmitter balances (dopamine, norepinephrine, and possibly serotonin) deep within the areas of the brain responsible for attention and motivation. As you may already know stimulant medications have long been the go-to treatment for most doctors, with Ritalin being their ace in the hole.
As for drugs on the ADHD medications list stimulants are still widely accepted as having the highest success rate overall. That said, there is a non-stimulant option as well as other treatment alternatives including anti-depressants, anticonvulsants, waking agents, and even estrogen. While Ritalin is still the big dog in the fight, the non-stimulant Strattera (a relatively new drug) reigns supreme on the ADHD medications list of non-stimulant medications. Strattera is the only non-prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) specifically for adult ADHD, a condition many feels may be every bit as serious as childhood ADHD, and almost as common.
Are There Differences in Treating Children and Adults?
While the ADHD medications list your doctor may choose from may be the same there are a few fascinating differences worth mentioning. Common sense would lead one to believe that since adults are weight more they would require more medication per pound of body weight because of the obvious, and the not so obvious such as reduced kidney and liver function.
Additionally, there is a good chance that some with adult ADHD might be on a number of other prescription medications which could reduce the effectiveness of any drug taken from the ADHD medications list as well as the combination of unrelated drugs and ADHD medications could produce unforeseen additional symptoms such as lethargy, anxiety, and insomnia. So if you and your child both have ADHD don’t take it on yourself to up your dosage without talking with your doctor first!
Hi, I have been taking Zoloft for several months, and regrx.com is only changing the dosage … 75 to 50 mg because I have too many side effects. I take this medication from anxiety attacks and a recurrence of depression. Now I feel much better.
An Abbreviated ADHD Medications List
While it isn’t possible to cover all drugs in the ADHD medications list, this abbreviated format will provide you with a good starting point to do more research.
Stimulants: Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, Cylert, Dexoxyn, Metadate, Focalin, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, and Provigil.
Non-Stimulants: Strattera
SSRIs: Effexor and Remeron
Tricyclic Antidepressants: Elavil, Sinequan, Nortriptyline, and Norpramin
MAOIs: Nardil, Parnate, and Eldepryl
In summary, all of the drugs listed work with either one or a combination of the three primary neurotransmitters in the brain (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin). Sadly, they all also come with a number of side effects risks and label warning leading many people to consider the natural treatment option. Perhaps the most effective of these is a combination of homeopathy for ADHD and slight diet modification. While the natural alternative is not for everybody, it certainly has worked wonders for some. As always consult your doctor for advice when picking any new treatment whether natural or selected from the ADHD medications list.
