The Centers for Disease Control report there are 4.5 million children aged 5 to 17 in the U.S. that have ever been diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD (thru 2006) and some 3 to 7 percent of school-age children exhibit symptoms of ADHD significant enough to undermine their day-to-day functioning and school performance. ADHD is a set of symptoms and behaviors that are usually first observed and diagnosed in childhood: impulsive behavior, hyperactivity and inattention. There is no known cure for ADHD, but medications along with behavioral therapy, counseling and academic support often help an afflicted child and his family cope. There are 10 medications doctors most often prescribe for ADHD.
Methylphenidate/Dexmethylphenidate Medications
Methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate are drugs classified as psychostimulants. Psychostimulants act to make the central nervous system more effective. Methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate affect the balance of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, increasing a person's ability to pay attention and manage impulsivity or other problem behaviors. This is the most common class of ADHD drugs prescribed for both children and adults. Examples are Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana and Focalin (five of the top 10).
Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Medications
Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (prescribed in combination form or dextroamphetamine alone) are also central nervous system stimulants used to treat ADHD. They affect the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Examples of this type of medication are Adderall, Dexedrine and Dextrostat (three more of the top 10 medications).
Lisdexamfetamine
Vyvanse or lisdexamfetamine is another type of ADHD medication. It is in the psychostimulant class as well. It is different from the others in that it is chemically structured so that the stimulant components are released into the body at a slower rate than the other forms of psychostimulants.
Non-stimulant Medication
Atomoxetine or its brand name, Strattera, closes out the list of top 10 ADHD medications. Atomoxetine is the only non-stimulant medication prescribed in the treatment of ADHD and works by affecting the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, making it more prevalent and effective in the attention sections of the brain.
