adhd medication guide
this page aims to outline the types of medication and specific drugs mentioned throughout the website
types of adhd medication can be sorted into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants
stimulants
01
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most common form of treatment
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work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine
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immediate and modified relase formats
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faster initial onset, effect is immediate, lasts for 3-8 hours and wears off noticeably
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are methylphenidate-based or amphetamine-based
02
non-stimulants
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used when stimulants don't work well
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work by adjusting norepinephrine reabsorption or by improving brain control circuits
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longer initial onset, effect within weeks, lasts all day and wears off gradually
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are norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists
common medication generic + brand names
01
methylphenidate (6+)
short acting/immediate release
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ritalin
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medikinet
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tranquilyn
long acting/modified release
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concerta xl
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xaggitin xl
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delmosart
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equasym xl
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matoride xl
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ritalin xl
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medikinet xl
01
lisdexamfetamine (6+)
long acting/modified release
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elvanse
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elvanse adult
01
dexamfetamine (6-17)
short acting/immediate release
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amfexa
02
atomoxetine (6+)
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strattera
02
guanfacine (6-17)
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intuitiv
atomoxetine and guanfacine are prescription-only medications so are not controlled drugs.
uk laws and regulations
stimulants
01
methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and dexamfetamine are class b substances and schedule 2 controlled drugs, meaning it is illegal to have them without a prescription. they are not classified as narcotics in the uk but are in other places, for example the eu.
02