An Introduction to ADHD Medicines
For decades, medications have been used to treat the symptoms of
ADHD. Medications that seem to be the most effective are a class of drugs known as stimulants.
List of Medications for ADHD
The following is a list of the stimulant ADHD medications, their brand names, and their generic names. "Approved age" means that the drug has been tested and found safe and effective in children of that age.
|
Trade Name
|
Generic Name
|
Approved Age
|
|
|
|
3 and older
|
|
|
|
6 and older
|
|
|
|
6 and older
|
|
|
|
6 and older
|
|
|
|
6 and older
|
|
|
|
3 and older
|
|
Dextrostat®
|
Dextroamphetamine
|
3 and older
|
|
|
|
6 and older
|
|
|
|
6 and older
|
|
Metadate® ER
|
|
6 and older
|
|
Metadate® CD
|
Methylphenidate extended release
|
6 and older
|
|
|
Methylphenidate chewable tablets and oral solution
|
6 and older
|
|
|
Methylphenidate
|
6 and older
|
|
Ritalin® SR
|
Methylphenidate extended release
|
6 and older
|
|
Ritalin® LA
|
Methylphenidate extended release
|
6 and older
|
| Vyvanse™ |
Lisdexamfetamine |
6 and older |
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are effective, but they also have the potential to be abused, especially when used at higher-than-prescribed doses. Hence, all of the medicines listed in this table are controlled substances, meaning there are special rules for prescribing and dispensing them.
Of the stimulant ADHD medications, only four are specifically approved for treating
adult ADHD. These four medications are:
- Adderall XR
- Concerta
- Vyvanse
- Focalin XR.
