An important part of managing Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the use of medication. The medications currently in use do not cure ADHD. The ultimate goal with medication is to improve functioning by reducing the core symptoms of ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity). Stimulant medications for ADHD work relatively quickly but have several possible side effects and risks to consider.
clonidine (Catapres®, Dixarit®)
is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD, tic disorders, irritability of autism and disruptive behaviour disorders.
dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®, Dexedrine® Spansule)
is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.
guanfacine XR (Intuniv XR®)
Long-acting non-stimulant medication used in the treatment of ADHD, disruptive behaviour disorders and tic disorders.
lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®)
is a long-acting stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.
methylphenidate (Biphentin®)
is a long-acting stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.
methylphenidate (Concerta®)
is a long-acting stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.
methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Ritalin SR®)
is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.
mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall XR®)
is a long-acting stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.
Managing Stimulant Medications
This handout has some suggestions that may help you manage side effects of stimulant medications for treatment of ADHD so you or your child can get the most benefit.