Treatments
Medication
Generally stimulant medications are the most effective type of medication for people with ADHD.
Non stimulant medications
Strattera: This medication is a norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor. It allows the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to be available to the brains neurons for longer.
Strattera for ADHD by Attitude Mag
Wellbutrin: This is prescribed off-label for ADHD. It blocks the re-uptake (reabsorption) of dopamine and norepinephrine by the presynaptic neuron after those chemicals have been released from the nerve cell. Blocking the re-uptake increases the concentration of dopamine and norepinephrine active in the brain.
Wellbutrin for ADHD by Attitude Mag
Guanfacine: This is use in conjunction with stimulant medication for people between ages 6-17. This medication activate receptors on nerves that use adrenaline as their neurotransmitter. The activation of these receptors tricks the adrenaline nerve into being less active, which in turn leads to lower blood pressure but also a significant decrease in hyperactivity, drive, impulsivity, insomnia, and emotional over-reaction.
Guanfacine for ADHD by Attitude Mag
Stimulant medications
There are two families of stimulant medications for ADHD— the Ritalin family and the Adderall family. Most people with ADHD can only handle one family of stimulant. If Adderall works well for someone, then Ritalin potentially won’t work well for then. That doesn’t apply to everyone, but can occur.
Ritalin: Most experts agree that it affects the midbrain, the part of the brain that controls impulses.
Ritalin medications:
Ritalin instant release (3-4 hours)
Ritalin sustained-release / SR (6-8 hours)
Ritalin time release / LA or Concerta (8 hours)
Concerta
Methylin
Adderall: This acts on the central nervous system by boosting the number of dopamine and norepinephrine transmitters in the brain.
Adderall medications:
Adderall instant release (3-6 hours)
Adderall time release / XR or Vyvanse (8-12 hours)
Mydayis (12-16 hours)