Adhd medication list
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ADHD Medication List: An Overview of Pharmacological Treatments
Introduction to ADHD Medications
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The disorder affects approximately 5% of children and adolescents and 2.5% of adults globally 2. Pharmacological treatment is a cornerstone of ADHD management, with various medications available to alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Stimulant Medications for ADHD
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed stimulants for ADHD. It has been shown to improve teacher-rated ADHD symptoms and general behavior in children and adolescents 18. However, its use is associated with non-serious adverse events such as sleep problems and decreased appetite 18. Extended-release formulations of methylphenidate are also used in adults, showing small-to-moderate improvements in ADHD symptoms but with an increased risk of adverse effects 5.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines, including dexamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine, and mixed amphetamine salts, are another class of stimulants used to treat ADHD. These medications have been found to reduce core ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, as rated by parents, teachers, and clinicians 4. Common adverse events include decreased appetite, insomnia, and abdominal pain 4. Despite their efficacy, the quality of evidence supporting their use is considered low to very low due to high risks of bias in studies 4.
Non-Stimulant Medications for ADHD
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication that targets norepinephrine reuptake. It has been shown to have a small but statistically significant effect on increasing diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in children and adolescents 9. Atomoxetine is generally well-tolerated but may cause cardiovascular effects that necessitate regular monitoring 9.
Guanfacine and Clonidine
Guanfacine and clonidine are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists used as non-stimulant options for ADHD. These medications are often considered when stimulants are not effective or cause intolerable side effects. They are generally well-tolerated but can cause somnolence and other mild adverse events 27.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as desipramine and nortriptyline, are sometimes used as second-line treatments for ADHD. These medications have shown efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms but come with significant cardiovascular risks, including increased diastolic blood pressure and pulse rates 10. Due to these risks, their use is generally limited to cases where other treatments have failed 10.
Safety and Tolerability of ADHD Medications
The safety and tolerability of ADHD medications are critical considerations for prescribers. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines are associated with various adverse events, including cardiovascular effects, sleep disturbances, and appetite suppression 39. Non-stimulant medications also carry risks, particularly related to cardiovascular health 9. Continuous monitoring and individualized treatment plans are essential to manage these risks effectively 37.
Conclusion
ADHD medications, including stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines, and non-stimulants like atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine, offer effective treatment options for managing ADHD symptoms. However, each medication comes with its own set of potential adverse effects, necessitating careful consideration and monitoring by healthcare providers. Future research should focus on long-term safety and efficacy to better inform treatment decisions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Methylphenidate for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methylphenidate may provide benefits for children and adolescents with ADHD, but its long-term safety and effectiveness remain uncertain.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedEvidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents.
Pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents show large effect sizes and good tolerability, but more research and novel medications are needed for improved outcomes.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedAn updated safety review of the current drugs for managing ADHD in children
ADHD medications in children and adolescents show favorable efficacy, safety, and tolerability, but some may not tolerate them or achieve satisfactory improvement.
Systematic ReviewAmphetamines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.
Amphetamines show potential in improving ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, but more research is needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedExtended-release methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults.
Extended-release methylphenidate may provide benefits for adults with ADHD, but more rigorous research is needed to confirm these findings.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalMethylphenidate for ADHD rejected from the WHO Essential Medicines List due to uncertainties in benefit-harm profile
Methylphenidate's benefits for ADHD are uncertain, and its inclusion on the WHO Essential Medicines List was rejected due to concerns about the quality and limitations of available evidence.
Pediatric pharmacoepidemiology - safety and effectiveness of medicines for ADHD
ADHD medications in children and adolescents are generally safe and well-tolerated, with common adverse events including decreased appetite, growth decrease, and sleep disturbances.
Systematic ReviewMethylphenidate for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methylphenidate is a widely used treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD, providing benefits such as improved attention and reduced hyperactivity, but also posing potential harms.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCardiovascular Effects of Stimulant and Non-Stimulant Medication for Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Trials of Methylphenidate, Amphetamines and Atomoxetine
ADHD medications methylphenidate, amphetamines, and atomoxetine may have small but significant cardiovascular effects in children and adolescents, with a small to medium increase in heart rate.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedTricyclic antidepressants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) show potential in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, but their effectiveness remains unclear due to low-quality evidence.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous Journal