In Australia, atomoxetine (Strattera®) is the only non-stimulant medication approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (Commonwealth Department of Health) for the treatment of ADHD.
Long-term studies have demonstrated that methylphenidate is safe and effective, so these medications are popular choices. Methylphenidate is used in a range of different long-acting medications. Short-acting forms are also available.
Methylphenidate is the first-line drug. Further advice on treatment can be found in section 1.7, Treatment of Adults with ADHD (p.
Working out is perhaps the most positive and efficient way to reduce hyperactivity and inattention from ADHD. Exercise can relieve stress, boost your mood, and calm your mind, helping work off the excess energy and aggression that can get in the way of relationships and feeling stable. Exercise on a daily basis.
How do you treat ADHD without medication? For adults with ADHD, cognitive behavioral therapies help to reduce distractibility and improve organizational skills. Also, teaching relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery is helpful.
ADHD specialists recommend methylphenidates as the first-choice medication for treating children and adolescents, and amphetamines as the first-choice medication for adults.
Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications.
Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour.
Short-acting stimulants (which wear off after about 4 hours) include Artige, Concerta and Ritalin 10. Long-acting options (which last around 8-12 hours) include Concerta Extended-Release Tablets, Ritalin LA and Vyvanse.
The most popular ADHD medications among ADDitude readers include (in alphabetical order): Adderall XR (amphetamine) Concerta (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (amphetamine)
Not everyone with ADHD needs medicine. But medicine can help most people with ADHD stay focused longer, listen better, and fidget less. People also benefit from therapy to learn and practice skills like staying organized, managing schoolwork, or dealing with stress. Medicine isn't a shortcut to mastering these skills.
Stimulant alternatives to Adderall include Ritalin, Concerta and Daytrana (methylphenidate); Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine); and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine). Nonstimulant alternatives to Adderall include Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (Guanfacine) and Kapvay (clonidine).
If left untreated, ADHD can lead to problems with productivity, interpersonal relationships, and further mental health problems. Untreated ADHD in adults can also lead to problems with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Talk with your doctor to decide which works best for your routine, and to figure out the best time of day to take your medication. Your doctor can't know ahead of time which drug will work best for you. They'll probably start you out with a low dose and see if it helps ease your symptoms.
The most common drugs that doctors suggest for ADHD are stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines. Even if you have anxiety, these meds may work well for your ADHD. Anxiety is a common side effect of stimulants.
The guidelines recommend treating the ADHD first, with a stimulant, and addressing the remaining anxiety with behavioral therapies and medication.
If your medication is starting to work, you'll be able to focus for longer periods of time than you used to. This doesn't mean hyperfocus or “zombie focus” — just a nice, sustained focus that you can direct where you want it to go. Maybe you can sit and finish paperwork that you couldn't before.
Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions include milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child's ADHD symptoms, talk to your ADHD dietitian or doctor about trying an elimination diet.
A high-fat diet may be associated with symptoms of inattention in ADHD. Additionally, overconsumption of unhealthy saturated fats may increase your risk of heart conditions and memory problems. Sources of fat that are best avoided include fried foods, processed meat, butter, high-fat dairy products, and heavy cream.
ADHD Supplement: Magnesium
I find magnesium helpful for children who have a “rebound effect” after their stimulant medication wears off. A child can safely take 100-300 mg. of elemental magnesium twice daily in the form of magnesium glycinate, citrate, or chelate.