7/19/24, 9:02 PM ADHD Medications: How They Work & Side Effects

ADHD Medication

ADHD medication treats the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),

such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD medications work by increasing the levels of
chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain. It can take time to find the right ADHD
medication for you, but once you do, you’ll likely see an improvement in your symptoms.

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Contents Overview Risks / Benefits Recovery and Outlook

When To Call the Doctor Additional Common Questions

Overview
What is ADHD medication?
For many people, putting on eyeglasses helps them focus their
eyes. In the same way, ADHD medication helps people with
ADHD focus their thoughts. The medications help them ignore
distractions, pay attention and control their behavior.
Medication doesn’t cure ADHD. But it can help ease the
symptoms of ADHD while you or your child is taking it so you
can function more effectively.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved

several different kinds of medications to treat ADHD. Many of
the medications can treat ADHD in children as young as 6.

What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very
common neurodevelopment disorder. Children with the
disorder may be overly active and have trouble with impulsive
behaviors. They may also find it difficult to pay attention, follow
instructions and complete tasks.

When symptoms of ADHD occur during childhood, they

frequently continue into adulthood. One study suggested
ADHD symptoms carried into adulthood in 90% of cases. In
addition, some adults with ADHD haven’t ever been
diagnosed.

Adults with ADHD may have trouble following directions,

remembering information, concentrating or organizing tasks.
Symptoms may look different for adults than they do for
children. For instance, hyperactivity in children may appear as
extreme restlessness in adults.

What does ADHD medication do?

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ADHD medications work in different ways depending on the
type. But all ADHD medications work by increasing the levels
of important chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain. These
neurotransmitters include dopamine and norepinephrine.
Increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters helps
improve the symptoms of ADHD, including:

Increasing attention span.

Reducing hyperactivity.

Controlling impulsive behavior.

Managing executive dysfunction.

ADHD medications affect each person differently. What works

for one person may not be effective for you or your child. And
the first ADHD medication you or your child tries may not be
the right one. It may not be effective, or it may cause
bothersome side effects. Or you may have the correct
medication but need a higher dose.

Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications you
or your child takes, whether prescribed or over-the-counter.
Also, tell your provider if you consume any caffeinated drinks
or take any supplements (and the amount per day). Combining
certain medications can have a harmful effect on the body.

Your healthcare provider may need to try different medications

and doses to find what works for you or your child. Your
provider will observe you or your child and adjust the dose of
the medication to find the right balance between the benefits
and side effects.

Once you find the right medication and dose, most people find
ADHD medication helps their symptoms. The symptoms
involved with hyperactivity, attention span and impulsive
behaviors improve.

What are the different types of

ADHD medications?
ADHD medications include stimulants and non-stimulants.
Healthcare providers often prescribe antidepressants, as well.
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Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of prescription
medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD. Despite
their name, stimulants don’t work by increasing your
stimulation. Rather, they work by increasing levels of certain
chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain
called dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters
play important roles in your ability to pay attention, think and
stay motivated. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of
children with ADHD have fewer symptoms after finding the
correct stimulant medication and dosage.

Stimulants are considered controlled substances, which means

they have the potential to be improperly used or
cause substance use disorders. However, under the care and
supervision of your provider, stimulant medication use is safe.
Before they prescribe you a stimulant, your provider may order
an electrocardiogram (EKG) screening to avoid complications
from a previously undetected heart rhythm issue.

In the United States, some states have laws that tightly restrict
the quantity of stimulant medications that you can receive at
one time. For example, you may not be able to get more than a
30-day supply before requesting a refill.

There are two forms of stimulants:

Immediate-release (short-acting): You normally take

these stimulants as needed. They can last for up to four
hours. When people with ADHD are coming down off a
short-acting stimulant dose, they can experience what’s
often referred to as “the crash” or “the rebound effect.” It
typically involves a sharp decrease in energy level, and it
commonly causes severe hunger. Some people experience
an intense drop in mood or depression.

Extended-release (intermediate-acting or long-

acting): You typically take these stimulants once in the
morning each day. Some last from six to eight hours, while
others last for up to 16 hours. Longer-acting ADHD
medications may result in fewer “ups and downs” during
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medications may result in fewer ups and downs during
the day and may reduce the need for extra doses at school
or during work.

Many people supplement an extended-release medication

taken in the morning with an immediate-release dose taken in
the mid to late afternoon. This extra dose may help cover the
late afternoon to evening hours after the earlier dose starts to
wear off.

Most stimulants fall into one of two drug classes:

methylphenidates or amphetamines. Drug classifications group
medications together by their similarities, such as active
ingredients or approved use.

Non-stimulants
Non-stimulants are prescription medications, but they’re not
controlled substances like stimulants. That means you’re less
likely to improperly use or become dependent on them. They
work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in your brain.

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD take longer to start

working than stimulants. You may not feel the full effects of
these medications until you’ve been taking them regularly for
three to four weeks. However, these medications can also help
you improve your attention, focus and impulsivity. They can
work for up to 24 hours.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe a non-stimulant for

various reasons, including:

Stimulants aren’t effective.

You have intolerable side effects from stimulants.

They want to try pairing it with a stimulant to increase

effectiveness.

There aren’t as many non-stimulants currently available for

treating ADHD. These drugs are primarily norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.

Antidepressants
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The FDA hasn’t specifically approved antidepressants for the
treatment of ADHD. However, healthcare providers sometimes
prescribe them alone or in combination with a stimulant for the
treatment of ADHD. The antidepressants providers typically
prescribe for ADHD work on the dopamine and norepinephrine
levels in your brain. The most common drug classes are
norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclics.

Antidepressants that only work on the serotonin levels in your

brain, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),
haven’t been shown to be effective for treating the main
symptoms of ADHD. But they can be helpful in combination
with stimulants if you also have a mental health condition such
as depression or an anxiety disorder.

What are some common ADHD

medication names?

Stimulants
The following list contains the names of ADHD medications
approved by the FDA. The chart shows the type, class, generic
name, brand name and duration of each stimulant ADHD
medication.

Chart displays the type, class, generic name, brand name and
duration of each stimulant ADHD medication.

Non-stimulants
The chart below shows the class, generic name, brand name
and duration of each FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD
medication.

Chart displays the class, generic name, brand name and duration of
each FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication.

Antidepressants
The chart below shows the class, generic name, brand name
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and duration of certain antidepressants that may help treat
ADHD.

Chart displays the class, generic name, brand name and duration of
certain antidepressants that may help treat ADHD.

Risks / Benefits
What are the side The most common side effects
of ADHD medication include
effects of ADHD reduced appetite, weight loss and
trouble sleeping.
medications?
Side effects may occur early
during treatment with ADHD
medication. These side effects
are typically mild and don’t last
long. They may resolve after a Side effects of ADHD medication include
reduced appetite and weight loss.
few weeks of treatment as your
body adjusts to the medication. Rarely, they can be more
severe or last longer. The most common side effects of ADHD
medications include:

Decreased appetite. Decreased appetite affects about

80% of people who take stimulant medications.

Weight loss. You may be able to manage any unintended

weight loss by taking your medication after meals or adding
protein shakes or snacks to your diet.

Difficulty sleeping. It may take you longer to fall asleep

and stay asleep. Overall, you may experience poorer
quality sleep. The timing of when you take medications
during the day, especially extended release, can help
reduce this side effect.

Other ADHD medication side effects may include:

Rebound effect. A short period of fatigue, increased

activity or a bad mood as the medication wears off.

Anxiety. New or increased anxiety and depression.

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Tics. Sudden, repetitive movements or sounds such as

eye blinking or throat clearing. ADHD medication doesn’t
cause tics, but it may make them more noticeable than
they’d be without medication.

Minor growth delay. Some children and adolescents who

take stimulants experience growth reduction, but it doesn’t
affect their final height.

Upset stomach. This may include nausea and vomiting.

Changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Blood

pressure may go up or down, depending on the
medication. Stimulant medications can also increase your
heart rate slightly. The increase is usually minor and not
dangerous, but you should tell your healthcare provider if
you or your child have a history of heart problems.

Side effects that don’t go away after a few weeks of treatment

may be relieved by:

Changing your medication dosage or schedule.

Changing to an extended-release formulation.

Using a different stimulant medication.

Trying a non-stimulant medication.

Recovery and Outlook

Do I need to take medications to
control ADHD, or can I control it
without them?
Medications are the first line of treatment for ADHD. Studies
have shown they’re effective for about 80% of children with the
condition. But you may be worried about the side effects of the
medication or want to avoid taking them for another reason.

For many people, behavior therapy is an appropriate option.

Behavior therapy teaches and reinforces positive behaviors
and reduces negative, unwanted behaviors.

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For children younger than age 6, the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parent training in behavior
management, which can teach you strategies and skills to help
your child.

After age 6, the AAP recommends ADHD medication along

with behavioral therapy. This may be a continuation of parent
training in behavior management for children ages 6 through
12 and other types of behavior therapy for children ages 12
and up.

In addition, schools can play an important part in your child’s

treatment plan. The AAP recommends adding behavioral
interventions in your child’s classroom. Your child’s plan should
include close monitoring of your child’s behavior and making
adjustments along the way as necessary.

How long will my child or I have to

take ADHD medication?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a lifelong condition
that has no cure. It’s not like taking an antibiotic to treat a
bacterial infection. You’ll have to keep taking ADHD medication
to manage your symptoms.

In addition, up to 50% of children with ADHD will continue to

experience symptoms into adulthood. If you have found a
medication that helps you manage your symptoms, it may be
helpful to keep taking it throughout your life.

When To Call the Doctor

When should I see my healthcare
provider?
If you or your child is starting on ADHD medication, you’ll have
frequent appointments with a healthcare provider. They’ll need
to monitor bodily reactions until you find the right medication
and dose. Once you’ve found a medication that works, your
provider will continue to monitor your condition — or your
child’s condition to make sure the medication remains
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child s condition — to make sure the medication remains
effective.

In some places, there are laws or regulations that require a

healthcare provider to see you or your child on a regular basis
in order to continue prescribing certain medications (especially
stimulants). If you don’t see them regularly, they can’t legally
prescribe these medications. Your provider can tell you if this is
the case in your area and — if required — how often you’ll
need to see them.

Additional Common
Questions
Do doctors prescribe the same
ADHD medications for children
and adults?
Yes, but the dosages of many ADHD medications are different
for children and adults. In addition, children and adults may
experience different side effects from the medications.

Are there any over-the-counter

ADHD medications?
No. Only doctors and certain other healthcare providers can
prescribe ADHD medications. They aren’t available over-the-
counter (OTC). In addition, vitamins and minerals claiming to
treat ADHD have no scientific backing. In fact, they may
interact with prescription medication. If you think ADHD
medication may help you or your child, talk to your provider.

Are stimulant ADHD medications

habit-forming?
When used to treat ADHD, stimulant medications aren’t
considered to be habit-forming. There isn’t any evidence that
using them will lead to substance use disorders. Nevertheless,
there’s a potential for improper use and substance use
disorders with any stimulant medication especially if you have
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disorders with any stimulant medication, especially if you have
a history of a substance use disorder. However, recent
research states that medically treated people with ADHD had a
lower rate of substance use disorders than if they weren’t
treated.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

An ADHD diagnosis can be scary for you or your child. But

your healthcare provider is there to help. There are many
different ADHD medications available. Your provider will work
with you to choose the correct medication and dosage for you
or your child. They’ll continue to track your progress and watch
for side effects to make sure the drug remains effective. In
addition to medication, they may recommend other treatment
options such as behavioral therapy. They’ll work with you to
provide the best possible outcome for you or your child.

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