ADHD Medications

ADHD Medications: Brands, Generics, and Mechanisms of Action

ADHD medications can be broadly categorized into stimulants and non-stimulants. Each type works differently to help manage the symptoms of ADHD.

ADHD Medications: Brands, Generics, and Mechanisms of Action

ADHD medications can be broadly categorized into stimulants and non-stimulants. Each type works differently to help manage the symptoms of ADHD.

Stimulant Medications

1. Methylphenidate-Based Medications

  • Brands: Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, Daytrana, Quillivant XR

  • Generics: Methylphenidate, Methylphenidate ER

  • Mechanism of Action: Methylphenidate increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reuptake into neurons. This leads to increased concentration and reduced impulsivity and hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD.

  • Benefits: Improved focus, attention, and control over impulses; reduction in hyperactive behavior.

2. Amphetamine-Based Medications

  • Brands: Adderall, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, ProCentra, Evekeo

  • Generics: Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine, Dextroamphetamine

  • Mechanism of Action: Amphetamines work by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine and blocking their reuptake. They also increase the release of these neurotransmitters from presynaptic nerve endings.

  • Benefits: Enhanced ability to focus, increased attention span, decreased impulsivity, and reduced hyperactive behavior.

Non-Stimulant Medications

1. Atomoxetine

  • Brand: Strattera

  • Generic: Atomoxetine

  • Mechanism of Action: Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI). It increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which helps in improving attention and reducing impulsive behavior.

  • Benefits: Improved attention and focus, reduced impulsivity, and beneficial for individuals who do not respond well to stimulants or have a history of substance abuse.

2. Guanfacine

  • Brands: Intuniv, Tenex

  • Generic: Guanfacine

  • Mechanism of Action: Guanfacine is an alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist. It works by affecting receptors in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that controls attention and impulsivity.

  • Benefits: Improves attention, reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity, and helps with emotional regulation. Often used as an adjunct to stimulant medications.

3. Clonidine

  • Brands: Kapvay, Catapres

  • Generic: Clonidine

  • Mechanism of Action: Clonidine is also an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It works similarly to guanfacine but is typically less selective for alpha-2A receptors.

  • Benefits: Helps reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and improves attention. It can also aid in managing sleep issues related to ADHD.

4. Bupropion

  • Brand: Wellbutrin

  • Generic: Bupropion

  • Mechanism of Action: Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help alleviate ADHD symptoms.

  • Benefits: May improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and help manage symptoms of depression that can co-occur with ADHD.