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A Patient’s Primer on the Stimulant Medications Used to Treat ADHD

Are stimulants like Ritalin and Concerta really safe? How do they work? What is a good starting dose? What if they don’t work — or carry burdensome side effects? Here, we explain ADHD medications in terms that patients can understand. Become an educated patient and then discuss your options and optimization strategy with your doctor.

5 Comments: A Patient’s Primer on the Stimulant Medications Used to Treat ADHD

  1. Hi Penny, I just wanted to say that this is an excellent article! It covers all the bases and is very up-to-date. With all the research I get, this is perhaps the best I have seen in awhile. It will be my go-to link when people have questions.
    Sandman2 -CL on the adhd forum, Medhelp

    1. Thanks Sandman! When given the article assignment, I wanted to be sure it included all the aspects I learned over the years that doctors never told us. 😉

      Penny
      ADDitude Community Moderator, Author & Trainer on Parenting ADHD, Mom to teen w/ ADHD, LDs, and autism

  2. At 60, 16 yes out from having gastric bypass, I have tried a few ADD drugs, but they triggered anxiety. Any strategies or suggestions given recent research?

    1. This is really a question for your doctor. I do know that many patients being treated for ADHD are often treated for anxiety (and/or depression) at the same time. My own son takes a lower dose of stimulant, even though a slightly higher dose is more effective for ADHD symptoms, for this reason — too much increase in his anxiety otherwise.

      Penny
      ADDitude Community Moderator, Author & Mentor on Parenting ADHD, Mom to teen w/ ADHD, LDs, and autism

  3. Thanks for this well-written article. While a lot of content is relatively time-agnostic, some, like this article, could become “stale” as new drugs are released and new indications are found. I was curious from the beginning, when it starts with “Just five years ago…”. I can’t find a publish date for this, which can both help readers and editors to keep their knowledge and content fresh. With all of the herbal and nootropic blends out there now, it also begs the question — “What could be challenges or warnings for those trying to find naturopathic remedies and their proper dosages, side-effects, and interactions or contraindications?” Sometimes a little knowledge is dangerous, but keep the balanced, excellent content coming!

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