What are some of the main medical treatments for ADHD?

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    Nick Milazzo, Brady Holmer

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    by:

    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Except in children under age 5, medications are considered the first-line treatment for ADHD.[1][2] Short- and long-acting forms of amphetamines and methylphenidate — stimulants that increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain — are most commonly prescribed and considered highly effective for treating ADHD.[3][4]

    Other nonstimulant medications used for ADHD include atomoxetine,[5] bupropion,[6] and tricyclic antidepressants.[7]There is some preliminary research suggesting that modafinil may improve ADHD, but much more research is needed.[8]

    References

    1. ^Joel L Young, David W GoodmanAdult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment in the DSM-5 EraPrim Care Companion CNS Disord.(2016 Nov 17)
    2. ^National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management(2014-03-14)
    3. ^Timothy E Wilens, Nicholas R Morrison, Jefferson PrinceAn update on the pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adultsExpert Rev Neurother.(2011 Oct)
    4. ^Agnes Mészáros, Pál Czobor, Sára Bálint, Sarolta Komlósi, Viktória Simon, István BitterPharmacotherapy of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a meta-analysisInt J Neuropsychopharmacol.(2009 Sep)
    5. ^Ruth Cunill, Xavier Castells, Aurelio Tobias, Dolors CapellàAtomoxetine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the adulthood: a meta-analysis and meta-regressionPharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf.(2013 Sep)
    6. ^Narong Maneeton, Benchalak Maneeton, Manit Srisurapanont, Stephen D MartinBupropion for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trialsPsychiatry Clin Neurosci.(2011 Dec)
    7. ^T E Wilens, J Biederman, J Prince, T J Spencer, S V Faraone, R Warburton, D Schleifer, M Harding, C Linehan, D GellerSix-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of desipramine for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorderAm J Psychiatry.(1996 Sep)
    8. ^Biederman J, Swanson JM, Wigal SB, Kratochvil CJ, Boellner SW, Earl CQ, Jiang J, Greenhill LEfficacy and safety of modafinil film-coated tablets in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose studyPediatrics.(2005 Dec)