Typically, ADHD medication falls into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Non-stimulants can take days or weeks until their full therapeutic effect is felt.
What is the most important information I should know about ADHD medication?
Treatment for ADHD involves several components, but medication is often an essential part of the plan for many kids and adults with ADHD. Understanding how stimulants work is helpful.Hero Images/Getty Images
They act on thecentral nervous systemand increase the number of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
The increase of the neurotransmittersdopamineandnorepinephrineimproves focus and concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
Its effects are usually felt within one hour of swallowing the tablet and last from 10 to 12 hours.
Daytrana (methylphenidate)
Daytranais a methylphenidate patch for children to wear.
The medication travels through the skin and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
It can be worn for up to nine hours.
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
Dexedrinebecomes effective within 30 minutes to one hour.
It is available in short-acting tablets, which are effective for about four to six hours.
Extended-release capsules of Dexedrine are called Spansules and are effective for approximately eight to 10 hours.
Focalin lasts approximately four hours and Focalin XR can remain active for up to 12 hours.
The effects do not begin to occur for about 12 hours and then last much of the following day.
Short-acting Ritalin lasts three to five hours and long-acting (Ritalin LA) lasts for approximately eight hours.
It becomes effective within 45 minutes and continues to work for up to 12 hours.
The dosage may be gradually increased to a maximum of 20 mg per day.
The medication starts to work within one hour and continues working for up to 13 hours.
Non-Stimulant Medications
Non-stimulant medications are second-line treatment options for ADHD.
Because they take longer to work, adjusting medication to the right therapeutic dose also takes time.
Norpramin (desipramine)
Norpramin is atricyclic antidepressant used for ADHD.
Intuniv (guanfacine)
Intunivis a time-release form of the antihypertensive drug guanfacine.
It has been developed to have a sustained release lasting for the waking hours.
It takes approximately two weeks for Intuniv to become effective.
Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release capsules)
Qelbree is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
It releases medication slowly over several hours and can be taken once daily.
A significant reduction in ADHD symptoms may be seen in one to six weeks.
Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Wellbutrinis an antidepressant that can be prescribed as an off-label ADHD treatment option.
When a medication is used off-label, it means that it has not been FDA approved for that indication.
The XL version is taken once a day and lasts 24 hours.
How Do I Know If Adderall and Other Meds Are Working?
Jot down the ADHD characteristics you would like to see improvements with.
In addition to being helpful to you, this information will also be beneficial for your doctor.
While most ADHD medications will make these symptoms more manageable, they wont all disappear completely.
People often wonder how long it takes for their ADHD meds to workor if they are working at all.
This is where there is an improvement in your symptoms without negative side effects.
A non-stimulant medication might be suggested, either alone or with stimulant medication, as another option.
It just means you have not found the right medication and dose yet.
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