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Expert Q&A
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| By Alesia Hanson, RPh Registered Pharmacist | ||
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Besides Ritalin, what medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD?
All but one prescription medication indicated for the treatment of ADD or ADHD are stimulants and are controlled substances. For some reason, individuals with these disorders have an opposite reaction to stimulants. These individuals are not agitated or energized after taking stimulants, but are calmed instead and are more able to focus.
Many of the medications have the same active ingredient (methyphenidate) as Ritalin and are in various long-acting formulations. Others use stimulants such as dextroamphetamine, and some are combinations of several amphetamines.
The one medication for ADHD that is not an amphetamine and is not a controlled substance is atomoxetine HCl. It was released on the market just recently. Some of its side effects are similar to the amphetamines, but there is no addictive potential.
For more information read Strattera: A New Weapon in the Fight Against ADHD."
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