Stimulant medications

Stimulants are an effective way of managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms such as short attention span, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. These drugs improve ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent of adults and 70- 80 percent of children shortly after starting treatment [1].

For individuals with ADHD, stimulant treatment helps to maintain optimal levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the frontal cortex and other critical brain regions. The proper levels of these neurotransmitters help to reduce hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.

Examples include (brand name italicized):

  • Amphetamine (Dyanavel, Evekeo)
  • Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
  • Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
  • Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine mixtures (Adderall, Mydayis)
  • Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, Methylin, Contempla)

Side Effects:

Common:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness
  • Increased anxiety

Less Common:

  • Blurred vision
  • Hallucinations

  1. Cleveland Clinic. “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Stimulant Therapy.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 23 Jan. 2013, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-stimulant-therapy.
Was this helpful?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help you feel more hopeful about your mental health?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help you feel more confident in managing your mental health?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help increase your knowledge and understanding of mental health?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help you feel more hopeful about your mental health and/or addiction?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help you feel more confident in managing your mental health and/or addiction?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Did this article help increase your knowledge and understanding of mental health and/or addiction?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Topics

Click on each topic to see more articles:

  1. ADHD
  2. Sleep
  3. Mental Health Treatment Info

Related Articles

  1. I can’t sit still!
  2. How do you treat ADHD?
  3. Do I have ADHD?
  4. Why do so many people have ADHD?
  5. What is ADHD?