Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) a chronic neurobehavioral condition characterized by difficulty with attention and impulsivity due to a shortage of dopamine. Roughly 8.7 million American adults have ADHD, and 2.6% of the global population have experienced ADHD since childhood.1 Fortunately, ADHD is treatable not only with therapy but with medication management.
What medications can you take for ADHD? Let’s discuss the options in today’s blog, as well as the symptoms of ADHD itself.
Types of ADHD and Symptoms
ADHD can manifest differently for different people. In particular, it can manifest differently depending on whether the individual has more hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms or more inattentive symptoms. There are three main types of ADHD:
- Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD: Focused more on the hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD, including impulsiveness.
- Inattentive ADHD: Characterized by a struggle to focus or hold your attention on the present moment.
- Combined ADHD: Cases of ADHD that exhibit both hyperactive and impulsive symptoms as well as inattentive symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD include:
- Being easily distracted
- Making seemingly careless mistakes
- Forgetfulness
- Struggles with time management and organization
- Fidgeting and restlessness
- Excessive talking or movement
- Impulsive behavior
- Difficulty concentrating
- Racing thoughts
- Agitation and mood swings
- Risk-taking behaviors
Comorbidities of ADHD
ADHD can be complicated by comorbidities with other mental health conditions. Because of the stress of trying to manage symptoms, many people with ADHD may develop symptoms of anxiety and depression. Sometimes different conditions may develop separately from each other, but inevitably impact each other. Some comorbidities of ADHD include:
- Anxiety. Anxiety disorders are mood disorders that are characterized by excessive worrying, whether over social situations or day-to-day worries. Panic disorders also fall within the anxiety umbrella.
- Depression. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of deep sadness or emptiness, low self-esteem, or hopelessness.
- Insomnia. Racing thoughts and other symptoms of ADHD, especially hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, can often result in trouble sleeping or insomnia.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is characterized by obsessive thoughts, hyperfixations, and compulsions that feel urgent to act on.
What Drugs Treat ADHD?
While ADHD can be treated with either therapy or medication, most psychiatrists recommend a combination of the two. Therapy may be able to help you gain skills to manage ADHD symptoms or cope with the emotional effects of ADHD; but medication helps on a daily basis by combatting the chemical imbalance that causes ADHD.
Because ADHD is often caused by an imbalance of dopamine, many of the ADHD medications that are prescribed regulate the production of dopamine in the brain. There are three types of medications prescribed for ADHD: stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants.
Stimulants
Stimulants work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Both of these hormones help to increase your motivation and focus, which can help for inattentive ADHD. They also boost your cognitive function and ability to think, which may help to lessen impulsivity.
There are two types of stimulants: immediate release stimulants and extended release stimulants. Immediate release stimulants create a quick release of dopamine and norepinephrine, giving you a burst of energy and focus. ADHD patients who take immediate release stimulants sometimes experience a “crash” after the fact where their energy drastically decreases. These can be taken every four hours as needed.
Extended release stimulants can be taken once daily and tend to last for 6-16 hours. They can be helpful to have more attention and focus throughout the day, with fewer ups and downs.
Immediate release stimulants include:
- Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride (Focalin) – lasts 3-5 hours
- Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Methylin, Ritalin) – lasts 3-5 hours
- Dextroamphetamine mixed salts and amphetamine (Adderall) – lasts 4-8 hours
- Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Desoxyn) – lasts 4-8 hours
- Amphetamine sulfate (Evekeo) – lasts 4-6 hours
- Dextroamphetamine sulfate (Zenzedi) – lasts 4-8 hours
Extended release stimulants include:
- Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Adhansia XR, Aptensio XR, Concerta, Jornay PM, Metadate, Methylin ER, Quillichew ER, Quillivant XR, Ritalin-SR, Ritalin LA ) – lasts 7-16 hours
- Serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate (Azstarys) – lasts 10+ hours
- Methylphenidate (Cotempla XR ODT, Daytrana – patch) – lasts 8-12 hours
- Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride (Focalin XR) – lasts 12 hours
- Dextroamphetamine mixed salts and amphetamine (Adderall XR) – lasts 8-12 hours
- Amphetamine (Adzenys ER and XR-ODT, Dyanavel XR) – lasts 6-12 hours
- Dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine, ProCentra) – lasts 4-9 hours
- Mixed salts of single-entity amphetamine (Mydayis) – lasts 16 hours
- Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) – lasts 8-12 hours
Non-Stimulants
Non-stimulants are prescribed if stimulants aren’t working the way they should, or if stimulants have a side effect that is difficult to live with. Sometimes stimulants and non-stimulants are combined in order to provide the best balance for the patient. This is why it’s important to check in with your psychiatrist and give honest feedback on how the medication is working, so that they can find the right medication or combination of medication that works for you.
Non-stimulants typically work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. Some non-stimulants prescribed to ADHD patients include:
- Atomoxetine hydrochloride (Strattera)
- Viloxazine (Qelbree)
- Clonidine hydrochloride (Kapvay)
- Guanfacine hydrochloride (Intuniv)
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are not an FDA approved treatment specifically for ADHD, but they can help to manage certain symptoms of ADHD. For instance, SNRI antidepressants increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, much like non-stimulants. And because depression is a common comorbidity of ADHD, antidepressants can help to reduce depressive symptoms and complications of the comorbidities.
Antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD are typically either tricyclic antidepressants or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). Boosted serotonin levels are intended to improve your mood and energy. Some antidepressants prescribed for ADHD include:
- Bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL)
- Desipramine hydrochloride (Norpramin)
- Imipramine hydrochloride (Tofranil)
- Nortriptyline hydrochloride (Pamelor)
If you need support in the form of medication management for your ADHD, Rivia Mind is here to help. Contact us today to learn more or to find a psychiatrist.
Resources:
- ADHD Statistics and Facts for 2024 – Forbes Health
