My children have tried several of these medications for treatment of their ADHD and some of the treatments are new. Our pediatrician tried to get one of my children approved for one of these new options but our HMO refused to pay for it. For other treatment options see
About Prescription Treatments for ADHD
or Natural Remedies for ADHD posted on March 26, 2007.

Adderall 3 Adderall XR Desoxyn 4 Desoxyn Gradumet 4 Dexedrine 2 Dexedrine Spansule 2 DextroStat 2 Amphetamines (am-FET-a-meens) belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They are used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Amphetamines increase attention and decrease restlessness in patients who are overactive, unable to concentrate for very long or are easily distracted, and have unstable emotions.

Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Methylphenidate is available with a prescription under many brand names such as Ritalin, Methylin, Methylin ER, Metadate ER, Metadate CD, and Concerta. Generic formulations may also be available.

Strattera affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Strattera is not meant for long-term use. Because ADHD may be a long-term condition, especially in children and young adults, your doctor may recommend another ADHD medication after you stop taking Strattera. Long-term use of Strattera can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using Strattera is not growing or gaining weight properly.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) Capsules Approved: February 23, 2007 Company: Shire plc and New River Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Treatment for: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Vyvanse is an amphetamine derivative prodrug administered once-daily for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Vyvanse was developed to lower abuse potential by remaining therapeutically inactive until metabolized in the body. New River developed Vyvanse as a new ADHD medication designed to provide lower potential for abuse, in which d-amphetamine is covalently linked to l-lysine, a naturally occurring amino acid. The combination is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and converted to d-amphetamine, which is responsible for Vyvanse's activity.

Generic Name: dexmethylphenidate (dex meth il FEN i date)
Brand Names: Focalin, Focalin XR Dexmethylphenidate is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system (brain and nerves).

Connexyn Guanfacine extended release is a once-daily formulation of the selective alpha-2A-adrenoceptor agonist. Unlike some other ADHD treatments, guanfacine extended release is not a central nervous system stimulant or a controlled substance and has no known potential for abuse or dependence. Adrenergic receptors are present on almost all kinds of cells in the body and act as receptors for two neurotransmitters, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, used by nerve cells to communicate. An agonist is a molecule that acts similar to these neurotransmitters by also binding to receptors. It is hypothesized that guanfacine HCl binds to the alpha-2A-adrenergic cell receptor to act directly in the part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, an area that is associated with working memory, behavioral inhibition, attention and cognitive control, as well as the ability to orchestrate thought and action.

Daytrana Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. If the patch falls off, replace it with a new one. Then remove the new patch after it has been 9 hours since you applied the first patch. Your patch wearing time should be no more than 9 hours per day, even if you apply a new patch to replace one that has fallen off. An overdose of methylphenidate can be fatal.
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