Categories

Treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the most commonly used drug for ADHD. It is classified as a stimulant because it works by enhancing the activities in the brain, especially in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behavior. Methylphenidate may be given to adults, teenagers, and children over the age of 5 with ADHD.

This drug can be taken as either immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) or as modified-release tablets (taken once a day in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day).

Popular side effects of methylphenidate are:

  • a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate
  • loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain
  • trouble sleeping
  • headaches
  • stomach aches
  • feeling aggressive, irritable, depressed, anxious or tense