Alternatives to Methylin

Common alternatives to Methylin include lifestyle or behavioral changes, other stimulant ADHD medications, and non-stimulant ADHD medications. Lifestyle changes generally begin with a treatment plan that consists of social, educational, and mental therapy. Other stimulant alternatives to Methylin may include Focalin, Adderall, Desoxyn, or other methylphenidate products. Non-stimulant medications include Strattera, Intuniv, and off-label ADHD medications.

Alternatives to Methylin: An Overview

Methylin® (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy. There are currently four forms of Methylin available:
 
  • Methylin tablets
  • Methylin chewable tablets
  • Methylin oral solution
  • Methylin ER tablets.
      
Methylin is part of a group of ADHD medications called stimulants. The drug is generally effective in treating ADHD symptoms, and most children tolerate it well. However, as with all medicines, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not adequately control ADHD. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Methylin in these instances.
 
Some of these alternatives include:
 
  • Lifestyle changes, including therapy
  • Other stimulant ADHD medications
  • Nonstimulant ADHD medications.
     
(Click Narcolepsy Treatment for information about alternatives to Methylin when treating narcolepsy.)
 
Alternatives to Methylin Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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