Medications

There are an increasing number of medications available to treat ADHD.

Pyschostimulants: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Similar Drugs

Psychostimulants, to date, are the primary drugs used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta) is the most commonly used psychostimulant for ADHD. Its positive benefits for improving ADHD symptoms appear to be due to its actions in increasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for motor control. This drug is effective in both children and adults. A similar drug dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) has been approved. It is similar to in methylphenidate in effectiveness and side effects. At the time of this report, the FDA was also considering approving a new skin patch for ADHD. The patch, Daytrana, delivers a 9-hour dose of methylphenidate. It is designed for children who cannot take pills.

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Regimen. The older form of Ritalin is short acting, and needs to be taken several times a day, including during school hours. As it wears off, a rebound effect can occur and ADHD symptoms intensify. Longer-acting forms (Concerta, Ritalin LA, Ritalin SR, Metadate) are now available.

Concerta is now the most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD and uses a special pump action that releases the medication gradually into the body and can be effective for 12 hours. Ritalin LA and Metadate also only need to be taken once during the entire school day. (Ritalin SR can still can wear off by early afternoon.) A patch form of methylphenidate (MethylPatch) is awaiting approval. A 4-week trial in 2002 reported that it was very effective in improving attention and improving behavior.

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