Types of Medication Prescribed for ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manifests itself in a multitude of ways, which may include the following:
- Lack of concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Hyperactivity
- Excessive talking
- Inability to concentrate on tasks
When it comes to treating ADHD, medications are typically designed to reduce the severity of the symptoms rather than to cure the disease. There are two types of medications used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants
It’s not uncommon for stimulants to be the first type of medication prescribed to treat ADHD. The drugs aim to stimulate the production of neurotransmitters in your brain. Neurotransmitters are necessary for effective communication between neurons.
In doing so, they contribute to the reduction of some symptoms of ADHD such as fatigue and lack of concentration. Many stimulants are used in achieving this purpose.
How stimulants work in the treatment of ADHD
The primary issue with ADHD is a deficiency of neurotransmitters in specific brain regions. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are known to help transmit signals between nerve cells via synapses. Synapses are the spaces between neurons, about 3-4 nanometers.
In patients with ADHD, the primary neurotransmitter that is deficient is norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline). This is why most of the stimulants used in ADHD management help produce norepinephrine or its building blocks, including dopa and dopamine. They are all formed from tyrosine, an amino acid.
Amphetamines
This is a group of drugs that is commonly used as a stimulant for ADHD. They include the following
- Amphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Lisdexamfetamine and many others
These drugs come in two primary forms, which include
Immediate Release – This means they are released into your body right away and in a fast manner
Extended-Release – This is a term used when the drug is released into your body slowly.
Some of the drugs include
- Adderall XR
- Dexedrine
- Dyanavel XR
- Evekeo
- ProCentra
- Vyvanse
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, also known as Desoxyn, is also a stimulant closely related to ephedrine and amphetamine, and it also stimulates the central nervous system. Like many other stimulants, it helps increase neurotransmitters’ concentration, like dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
It comes as an oral tablet and is usually taken once or twice in 24 hours. The drug can reduce your appetite and also increase blood pressure.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate works by inhibiting neurotransmitters’ uptake (dopamine and norepinephrine). They can increase synaptic communication between neurons in the brain, improving concentration. Dexmethylphenidate is another central nervous system stimulant that is very similar to methylphenidate.
Methylphenidate can come in different forms, including immediate-release, extended-release, and controlled-release oral forms. There is also a transdermal patch available.
Common brand-named methylphenidate medications include:
- Aptensio XR
- Metadate ER
- Concerta
- Daytrana
- Ritalin
- Ritalin LA
- Methylin
- QuilliChew
- Quillivant
The newest medications for the treatment of ADHD include Jornay PM and Adhansia XR. These are stimulants that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both adults and children.
However, compared to many other stimulants, the latter is taken in the evening. Simultaneously, Adhansia XR is available in six extended-release capsules, including some of the highest dosage strengths currently in the drug market.
Mechanism of Action of Stimulants In The Treatment of ADHD
The major problem in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the lack of neurotransmitters in specific regions of the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are known to help transmit signals between nerve cells via synapses. Synapses are the spaces between neurons. Space is about 50nm.
In ADHD patients, the primary neurotransmitter that is deficient is norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline). This is why most of the stimulants used help produce norepinephrine or its building blocks, including dopa and dopamine. They are all formed from Tyrosine, which is an amino acid.
Non Stimulants
Non-stimulant medications are known to have a different effect on brain activity than stimulants. However, they have one thing in common – they also affect neurotransmitter formation. As with stimulants, non-stimulants are classified, and they can also be prescribed when stimulants are deemed unsafe or ineffective, or when a patient is hoping to avoid the stimulant’s characteristic adverse effects.
How non-stimulants work in the treatment of ADHD
Theoretically, non-stimulants are known to treat ADHD by inhibiting the uptake of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine), thereby increasing their concentration in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. This area is believed to regulate behavior and therefore contribute to the symptoms associated with ADHD.
However, non-stimulants do not increase the concentration of dopamine. As a result, the effects of non-stimulants take longer to develop.
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Atomoxetine works by blocking or inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain. With this, the neurotransmitter will have to work longer. It can come as an oral form which you can take once or twice a day. This drug is known for its increased risk of liver damage.
Consult with your doctor as quickly as possible if are experiencing any of the following: swollen or tender abdomen, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, or fatigue.
Clonidine ER (Kapvay)
Clonidine is used majorly in treating conditions like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractibility in people with ADHD. Some other forms of Clonidine can also be used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), which can be why patients taking it for ADHD can feel lightheaded after taking it.
Guanfacine ER (Intuniv)
This is another non-stimulant that is usually prescribed for the treatment of hypertension in adults. However, it has also been approved in treating ADHD in children. This drug can also be used to alleviate memory and hyperactivity, and behavioral problems such as aggression.
NOTE: All drugs are not a permanent cure for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They can, however, help alleviate the severity of the symptoms by improving your ability to concentrate, being less impulsive, feeling calmer, and confidently practicing new abilities.
Mechanism of Action of Non-Stimulants In The Treatment of ADHD
Theoretically, non-stimulants are known to treat ADHD by inhibiting the uptake of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine), thereby increasing their concentration in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. This area is believed to regulate behaviour and therefore contribute to the symptoms associated with ADHD. This is how Atomoxetine performs its function.
Drugs like Clonidine and Guanfacine are known as alpha2 agonists. Theoretically, they are known to work by imitating the effects of norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex.
