Pain or tingling in the hands and feet ( Raynaud’s phenomenon)īecause of the risk of high blood pressure and fast heart rate, anyone who begins taking a stimulant medication for ADHD needs to be checked for underlying heart problems. Long-lasting erections ( rarely, but on occasion, with methylphenidate) Sleep disturbance (medication should be taken in the morning or early afternoon to avoid this) Slow growth (growth will be monitored throughout treatment) Plus, many of their side effects are mild, settle quickly, and can be managed with small tweaks to doses or dosage schedules. There is no real difference in the types of side effects experienced with the different stimulant medications. That being said, stimulants have been used safely and effectively for decades. This is less likely with long-acting medications compared to short-acting ones because the former are released into the blood more steadily, which helps avoid a high. They come with a risk of addiction and dependence, as they can cause a pleasant high. But their side effects can last throughout the day, and they tend to be more expensive as there are fewer generics available.Įxamples of long-acting stimulants include: Like the short-acting stimulants, they start working in under 1 hour. Long-acting stimulants can be taken just once a day and do not have a wearing off effect. As a result, there can be a significant wearing off between doses.Įxamples of short-acting stimulants include: But, because they are short-acting, they need to be taken 2 to 3 times a day for an around-the-clock effect. They have a great safety record and are available in generic formulations, which means they are usually cheaper. Short-acting stimulants belong to an older category of medication. Both are suitable for children and adults the choice boils down to when they prefer taking their dose, whether they can swallow pills, and cost. There is no difference in how well short-acting and long-acting stimulants treat ADHD. In 2018, a large review involving over 8,000 adults across 51 clinical trials showed that amphetamines were moderately better at improving core ADHD symptoms when compared to methylphenidate, after a 12-week treatment course. amphetamines: Which type is better for adults?ĪDHD specialists recommend methylphenidates as the first-choice medication for treating children and adolescents, and amphetamines as the first-choice medication for adults. Methylphenidates: such as Ritalin, Focalin, and ConcertaĪmphetamines: such as Adderall, Mydayis, and Vyvanse There are two types of stimulant medications used to treat ADHD: Researchers think they work by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine –– the chemicals that fuel messaging within different parts of the brain and body. They work well, act fast, and have been used safely for many decades. Stimulants are the most popular medications for treating ADHD in both children and adults. View more medications Stimulant medications for ADHD
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