- Knowledgebase: ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
- Questions about ADHD and its diagnosis and management.
- 1. Which medicine is best for ADD or ADHD? - Top
- The short answer is that there is no single best drug to treat ADD or ADHD, when medication is appropriate. However, it is worth looking at some pros and cons and key features of some of the medications available:
Generic methylphenidate (Ritalin): This is a short-acting (~4 hours) medication. It is very inexpensive. However it usually needs to be taken more than once a day, and it is the most abusable ADD medication available.
Generic dextroamphetamine (Adderall): THis too is a short-acting medication and is very inexpensive. Same risks and benefits as methylphenidate, but some tolerate or perform better with one than the other.
Adderall XR: also generic now, but expensive if not covered by insurance. Good whole day coverage. can be sprinkled
Concerta: one of the most common choices. MUST be swallowed intact for the long acting mechanism to work.
Focalin: a "single isomer" form of methylphenidate. short acting form.
Focalin XR: as above, but long acting form. Some feel there are less side effects with this form.
Vyvanse: long acting, expensive, like Adderall XR. Lowest abuse potential of any stimulant.
Strattera: Non-stimulant, but takes weeks to see how effective, if at all, it will be.
Intuniv: Non-stimulant, long acting form of guanfacine. must be increased over a couple of weeks. may be sedating. good for patients with defiant behavior. - Updated: June 4, 2010
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