Compare ADHD Medications

ADHD, or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder, characterized by lack of concentration, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Symptoms first appear before age 7 and may continue into adulthood. 

There are several stimulant and non-stimulant medications available for ADHD treatment. However, these ADHD medications come with some side effects and risks. 

It must be remembered that stimulant medication cannot treat ADHD completely. It can only alleviate symptoms while it’s being taken. 

Finding the right medication and dose for your child with ADHD can be difficult, but knowing the different types of ADHD medications and their benefits might help. 

Stimulant medications: 

Stimulants are perhaps the most effective and common medications used to treat ADHD. However, they also have the potential to be abused, particularly when used at higher-than-prescribed doses. 

All the stimulant medications available in the market are controlled substances, which mean there are special rules for prescribing and dispensing them. 

The stimulant are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. The short-acting ones must be taken two to three times a day, and they last 4 to 5 hours per dose. 

Long-acting stimulants are taken only once a day and they last between 7 and 12 hours. Sometimes doctors may prescribe a combination of long-acting and short-acting stimulant medications. 

For kids who have difficulty swallowing pills, you can use a patch that may be applied to the skin, liquid medications, chewable pills, or capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food. 

Compare ADHD Stimulant Medications: 

Ritalin: 

Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

According to Nemours Foundation, Ritalin works by maintaining normal levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. 

Children and adults suffering from ADHD are reported to have deficiencies in producing these neurotransmitters. 

For most children, this medicine is effective in alleviating ADHD symptoms, and they tolerate it well.  However, some side effects might occur, such as vomiting, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, headache, etc. 

Concerta: 

When you compare ADHD medications like Ritalin and Concerta, you will find differences even though they are similar.

Unlike Ritalin, Concerta comes in the form of capsule which slowly releases methylphenidate, over an extended period of time so your child does not have to keep taking Ritalin frequently. 

Concerta is the newer, long-acting preparation of methylphenidate. Its effect can last for up to 12 to 14 hours. 

Concerta is available in 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg pills to provide flexible dosing options. If you are unsure of the correct dosage, consult with your health care practitioner. 

Adderall: 

Adderall contains a mix of amphetamine salts, and it is known to work just like Ritalin. It is available in instant-release and extended-release form. 

Since its introduction in the 90s, Adderall has become increasingly popular; and it is just a little stronger than Ritalin. 

When compared, Adderall is slightly more potent than Ritalin. But this only means that you take less of it than Ritalin. 

Some other common side effects include anxiety, insomnia, skin rashes, migraine headaches, dry mouth, and agitation. 

Vyvanse: 

Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant. It is known to affect chemicals in the brain and nerves which cause hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children. 

Vyvanse is used to treat ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children above 6 years of age. 

Vyvanse should not be used if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), and rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 2 weeks. 

Compare ADHD Non-Stimulant Medications: 

Many parents and healthcare providers prefer non-stimulant ADHD medications for various reasons. The non-stimulants are much less likely to be abused, compared to the stimulants. 

Some of the commonly used non-stimulant ADHD medications are Strattera (atomoxetine hydrochloride), Intuniv (guanfacine ER), and Kapvay (clonidine ER). 

Strattera is approved for kids aged 6 and older, teenagers, and adults. Kapvay and Intuniv are approved to treat ADHD only in kids and adolescents 6 through 17 years of age.