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Medications Used to Treat ADHD | UC Davis MIND Institute

Medications Used to Treat ADHD

Several medications effectively treat ADHD. Medications should be considered if the symptoms are causing significant difficulty for the person with ADHD. That being said, medications do not cure ADHD and should always be used in combination with behavioral treatment. Medications can help develop skills to compensate for the difficulties associated with ADHD.

Stimulants are typically the first medication used for ADHD in both children and adults. Stimulants have been shown in multiple studies to be more effective than other medications in the treatment of ADHD.

Possible Side Effects of Stimulants

  • Decreased appetite-often the most problematic problem
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability and poor mood-more often occurs when the medication is wearing off
  • Headache
  • Stomachache

Additional Concerns About Stimulants

Heart Conditions

Poor growth

  • There have been concerns raised that stimulants can cause poor growth in children.  Studies have shown different results over time.  That being said, the majority of the research suggests that effects on growth is short lived and by adulthood there is no difference in growth between those previously on stimulants when compared to the general population.
  • Weight and height should be monitored by a doctor
  • ADHD Drugs and Growth by WebMD
  • ADHD, Stimulant Treatment, and Growth: A Longitudinal Study

Tic Disorder

Drug Abuse

  • Stimulant medications can be used inappropriately or abused, most commonly by those without ADHD.  Many people worry that using them will cause addiction or increase the use of other drugs.  Research shows that when stimulants are used appropriately, they do not lead to abuse.  In fact, some studies suggest a decrease in drug use by those who have their ADHD symptoms treated appropriately with stimulants
  • Does Stimulant Medication Cause Addiction? - From ADDitude

Methylphenidate Type

  • Methylphenidate is the ADHD medication that has been used for the longest period of time and has the most research into its use. It has been found to work well for the majority of people with ADHD.

Amphetamine Type

Nonstimulants are typically used in patients unable to use stimulants or in addition to a stimulant.  They may also be used to target associated symptoms such as difficulty sleeping or anxiety.

Atomoxetine (Strattera)

  • Although sometimes less effective than stimulants there is evidence that atomoxetine is effective for many with ADHD.  It is thought to be especially useful in those with anxiety.
  • Executive function is the set of skills that allow people to organize and complete tasks.  ADHD is often associated with difficulties in these skills.  Research supports an improvement in executive function associated with atomoxetine use in adults.
  • Only available in capsules that must be swallowed whole.
  • Must be given daily and decreased gradually if stopped.  Takes several weeks to begin working.
  • Side effects of atomoxetine
    • Tiredness
    • Upset stomach
    • Dizziness
    • Decreased appetite-less frequent and less severe than with stimulants
    • Mood swings
    • Black box warning
      • A black box warning is placed on drugs by the US Food and Drug Administration when there is evidence to suggest a possible serious hazard with a drug.
      • The FDA placed a black box warning on atomoxetine due to rare reports of increased suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents.  Although there were no suicides or increased suicide attempts, it is important to watch patients for suicidal thoughts.
  • Resources

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