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Advanced Alternative Medicine Center

Advanced Alternative Medicine Center

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In this video, Dr. Huntoon discusses what you need to consider if you or a loved one is recommended a prescription medication as a form of treatment.

Watch this video and learn the questions you need to have your doctor answer BEFORE you begin a course of medication.

Listed below are the most common medications prescribed for ADD/ADHD with links for more information

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ADD/ADHD MEDICATION CHART

Class
Drug Name
Form
 Duration Common Side Effects
Amphetamine Stimulants
Short-acting
4-6 hours
 Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics. Short-acting medicines require frequent dosing.
Short-acting
4-6 hours
Short-acting
4-6 hours
Long-acting
6-8 hours
 Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics. Long-acting medicines are convenient but may have greater effects on appetite and sleep.

Adderall XR
Long-acting
8-12 hours

Long-acting

(prodrug)
10-12 hours
Methylphenidate  Stimulants
Short-acting
4-6 hours
 Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics. Short-acting medicines require frequent dosing.
Short-acting
3-4 hours
Short-acting
3-4 hours
Intermediate-acting
6-8 hours
 Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics. Longer-acting medicines are convenient but may have greater effects on appetite and sleep.
Intermediate-acting
6-8 hours
Intermediate-acting
4-8 hours
Intermediate-acting
8-10 hours
Intermediate-acting
8-10 hours
Long-acting
10-12 hours
 Some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics. Longer-acting medicines are convenient but may have greater side effects on appetite and sleep.
Long-acting
6-10 hours
Long-acting
10-12 hour
 Skin irritation, some loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, tics.
Non-
stimulants
Strattera(atomoxetine)
Long-acting (extended release)
24 hours
 Sleep problems, anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth. Rarely, liver damage. There are some concerns about a link between Strattera and suicidal thoughts.

Intuniv

(guan-
facine)
Long-acting (extended release)
24 hours
 Sleepiness, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain. Rarely, Intuniv can cause low blood pressure and heart rhythm changes.
Antidepressants
Short-acting
4-5 hours
 Sleep problems, headaches.  Although rare, Wellbutrin may increase the risk of seizures.
Sustained release
(long-acting)
12 hours
Extended release
(long-acting)
24 hours
Tofranil
NA
8-24 hours
 Sleep problems, anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth, elevated heart rate, risk of heart arrhythmias.
Pamelor
NA
8-24 hours
Aventyl
NA
8-24 hours
NA
8-24 hours
 Not recommended for children. Associated with cases of fatal heart problems.
Blood
Pressure Medicines

Clonidine

 

Catapres or

 

Kapvay
NA

4-6 hours (tablets)

24 hours (patch)

24
hours
(Tablet taken twice a day)

 Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure.
Tenex
(guan-
facine)
NA
6-8 hours
ADD/ADHD Medicines and Safety 

The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisors are also concerned about the possibility that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may increase the risk of heart and psychiatric problems.

The FDA has also issued a warning about a connection between antidepressants (including the non-stimulant Strattera) and an increased risk of suicide in adults aged 18-24, especially in the first one or two months of treatment.

While these risks may seem alarming, keep in mind that experts generally consider these medicines safe. Serious problems are rare. Still, you should discuss the risks and benefits of these drugs with your doctor.