Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, is primarily defined by lengthy periods of impulsiveness, a short attention span, and varying degrees of hyperactive behavior. Assiduous research and numerous clinical trials have resulted in the development of various pharmaceuticals that are effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD, note Marsh and Barkley in the article "ADHD drugs: How effective are the stimulant medications?" Current data suggests that the use of medication has proven particularly effective in treating ADHD in children as young as four years in age.
Methylyphenidates
Methylyphenidates such as Ritalin and Focalin remain one of the most helpful stimulant ADHD medications in current use, notes 4 ADHD. These drugs take half an hour to a full hour to take effect, and are available in doses as low as 2.5 mg for Focalin, and as high as 40 mg for Ritalin. Moreover, methylyphenidates work effectively for at least three hours but can last as long as 14 hours, explains A.D.D. Warehouse.
Dextroamphetamines
Dextrostat and Dexedrine are dextroamphetamines and are stimulants proven effective in managing ADHD symptoms. What's more, dextroamphetamines have been approved for use in treating ADHD in children as young six years of age. Both Dextrostat and Dexedrine take effect within 30 minutes to an hour. Dextrostat can last as long as five hours, while Dexedrine can last as long as ten hours, according to A.D.D. Warehouse. Both drugs are available in doses as low as 5 mg to 10 mg. Dexedrine is available in 15 mg doses, notes Attention Deficit Disorder Resources.
Mixed Amphetamines
Adderall belongs to a class of ADHD medication known as mixed amphetamines. The available doses of Adderall range from as low as 5 mg and as high as 30 mg. The medication can last an average of six hours, and works effectively within an hour. However, a longer lasting version of Adderall lasts as long as 12 hours. This version of the drug may require up to 90 minutes before taking effect, according to A.D.D. Warehouse. Adderall has proven extremely effective in managing ADHD symptoms, explains Attention Deficit Disorder Resources.
Buproprion
Buproprion is a kind of non-stimulant ADHD medication. Wellbutrin IR is a brand of buproprion that has proven particularly helpful in managing depression in ADHD patients, explains A.D.D. Warehouse. The drug's effects can last for as little as four hours, or as long as 24 hours. The minimum dose of Wellbutrin is 75 mg, but it is also available in doses as high as 350 mg.
Alpha-2 Agonists
Catapres is a form of non-stimulant ADHD medication known as alpha-2 agonists. Catapres proves particularly helpful in managing insomnia in ADHD patients, whereas Tenex works effectively in regulating impulsiveness, aggression, and hyperactive behavior, according to 4-ADHD. Catapres typically requires 30 minutes to an hour to take effect. The tablet form of Catapres lasts about six hours. However the medication is available in a patch form that lasts as much as five days. Tenex, on the other hand, lasts between six to twelve hours, explains A.D.D. Warehouse.
References
- A.D.D. Warehouse: Medication Chart to Treat Attention Deficit Disorders
- 4 ADHD: ADD ADHD Medications
- Attention Deficit Disorder Resources: ADHD Medications: Adderall, Concerta, Daytrana, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate, Ritalin, Strattera and More -
- Eric J. Marsh and Russell A. Barkleyl: ADHD drugs: How effective are the stimulant medications?
- Medline Plus: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
