What are the Types of ADHD Medications?

ADHD can get in the way of your success. This article will discuss ADHD medications available.

Author: J. Flowers Health Staff

Medications for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that typically begins in childhood and can last into adulthood. It is characterized by a limited attention span, hyperactivity, and difficulty focusing and concentrating. Fortunately, there are ADHD medications on the market that can make the condition manageable.

ADHD medication falls under the following categories.

Stimulants

It may seem odd that a hyperactivity condition would be treated with ADHD stimulants, but these help with focus to improve concentration in people who need ADHD treatment.

Stimulants may also be categorized as the following:

Short-acting: These ADHD meds will start working in thirty to forty-five minutes and will wear off in three to six hours.
Intermediate: Intermediate-acting ADHD medication will start acting right away but it takes a little longer to wear off as compared to short-acting meds.
Long-acting: Long-acting ADHD stimulants work throughout the day. Part of the dose is an immediate release that starts working right away. The rest will go into effect several hours later. They typically wear off in eight to sixteen hours.

Non-stimulants

Non-Stimulants may also be used as ADHD medications. They are recommended for those who do not respond well to stimulants as well as people with a history of drug abuse (being that stimulants can be addictive).¹

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are recommended drugs for ADHD for those managing both ADHD and depression.

List of Drug Names Used for ADHD

There are several types of drugs for ADHD. Here is an ADHD medication list.

Amphetamine stimulates the nervous system to boost focus.
Methylphenidate is an ADHD medication that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves to promote impulse control.
Lisdexamfetamine is another ADHD medication that minimizes hyperactivity.
Dexamfetamine stimulates the nervous system to increase focus and alertness.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant reuptake inhibitor used in the treatment of ADHD.
Guanfacine is an ADD medication that reduces nerve impulses in the heart and blood vessels.

List of Brand Names of ADHD Medications

Here is an ADHD medication list of the available brand medications.

Adhansia RX
Aptensio XR
Concerta
Cotempla
Daytrana
Jornay PM
Metadate
Methylphenidate HCk
Quillichew ER
Ritalin

When it comes to ADHD medication, you must consult with a doctor to receive a proper prescription. Always inform your doctor of any other medications or substances you use.

Most Common Side Effects of Medication

While ADHD medication helps reduce symptoms of ADHD, it can produce unwanted side effects including the following:

Weight loss: ADHD stimulants boost the nervous system and increase one’s metabolism, so weight loss is a common side effect.
Sleep issues: ADHD meds can boost the nervous system to cause insomnia while others will find the reduced hyperactivity causes them to sleep more.
Social withdrawal: ADHD medications calm you down. For some, the effects are so pronounced they cause social withdrawal.
Rebound effect: This effect occurs when the patient no longer responds to a focus medication they have been taking. It can result in symptoms coming back stronger than before.²

How to Relieve Side Effects Caused by ADHD Medication

If your ADHD meds are causing side effects, talk to your doctor. They will suggest one of two solutions: changing the dosage or changing the ADHD medication. In some instances, a lower or higher dosage of the medication will reduce side effects. However, your doctor may also suggest changing to another medication that does not produce the same side effects.

Therapy for ADHD

ADHD treatment can also come in the form of therapy. Here are some types that are recommended.

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation helps patients and their families better understand their emotional disorder so they can treat it effectively.

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy aims to change the way patients react to stimuli.

Parent Training

Parent training helps parents better understand children with ADHD to provide the best environment for reducing symptoms.

Social Skills Training

Social skills training teaches children with ADHD how to interact with their peers healthily.

CBT

CBT is a type of behavioral therapy that introduces healthy coping mechanisms to patients.

Other Names for ADHD

There are various names for ADHD, but ADHD is used to describe most forms of attention deficit disorders. Here are some examples of other names for ADHD.

ADD

ADD stands for attention deficit disorder, and attention deficit refers to the inability to pay attention. ADD was once used to define people who had trouble focusing but were not dealing with hyperactivity. Now ADHD is used as an umbrella term.

Attention deficit disorder refers to people who are unable to pay attention to the point where it interferes with daily functions. Attention deficit disorder of childhood with hyperactivity is a condition where children have trouble paying attention and controlling impulses.

Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity is defined by attention deficit and hyperactivity that can occur at any age.

ADDH

ADDH is a form of ADHD where patients are dealing with hyperactivity and impulsiveness but are not inattentive.³

Hyperkinetic Disorder

Hyperkinetic disorder is another name for ADHD.⁴ Hyperkinetic syndrome is an alternate term used to describe ADHD and hyperkinetic disorder.

Brain Mapping for ADHD

Brain mapping has also been integrated into ADHD treatment. It maps out brain activity to create an image of each lobe of the brain and the waves occurring in the area.

Types of Brain Scans

There are three types of brain scans that can be produced through neurofeedback brain mapping. These include:

Neurological CT scans, which are x-ray images that do not require contrast dye.
MRI brain scans, which use magnetic waves to produce images.
PET scans, which show brain function. It involves having a radioactive tracer substance injected via an IV.

Brain mapping can be used to trace brainwave activity to accurately diagnose emotional disorders and better understand cognitive disorders. Armed with this information, providers can find the best treatment for patients with ADHD and other mental health conditions.

Why Choose J. Flowers Health Institute for Brain Mapping?

If you or a loved one is dealing with ADHD, J. Flowers provides the ultimate solution.

We offer brain mapping neural engineering used by NASA and Olympians. Our updated systems mean we can diagnose and find the best treatments for physical and mental disorders. Our brain mapping evaluations have now moved in-house so patients can get all the help they need in one convenient location.

ADHD can interfere with you living your best life. Do not let it get in the way of enjoying one more day to the fullest. Reach out to J. Flowers for the comprehensive treatment you need to move forward.