ADHD Medication
First Line ADHD Treatments
ADHD & ADD medication is an important part of ADHD management strategy along with the non-medicine strategies. ADHD medication has been around for more than fifty years and there are many published research papers on their safety and efficacy.
First-line treatment guidelines for ADHD and ADD medication are stimulant medication either a Methylphenidate or Amphetamine product. There are many different options within these two categories. ADHD stimulants work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine within the brain. While Amphetamine also promotes the release of norepinephrine and dopamine.
Canadian Stimulant Options
The medication, doses and possible side effects listed here are for educational purposes only. You should talk to your healthcare provider about the medication options available, their benefit and possible side effects. Medication should only be started/changed/adjusted by a patient’s physician or nurse practitioner.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Based
Amphetamine (Dexedrine) Based
Possible Medication Side Effects
Medication management is usually effective with minimal side effects, some side effects may go away in time. It is always important to discuss with your doctor the benefits and side effects when starting any medication.
- Palpitations
- Increased heart rate
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Increased blood pressure
- Sleep disturbance
- Decreased appetite
- Increased anxiety/ irritability
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Chest pain
- Rashes
ADHD Medications Usually Help to
Please see CADDRA guide to ADHD pharmacological treatments in Canada – updated November 2022
