The stimulant medications have been around for decades for the treatment of ADD and ADHD.

Dr. Bradley in the US was the first to use a stimulant medicine to treat ADD/ADHD. He gave amphetamine medications to boys who were hyperactive. They found that they were able to focus and concentrate. The kids themselves actually called the medicine ‘our arithmetic pills’. This medication is closest to the modern day Adderall, Adderall XR or Vyvanse.

Then, methylphenidate came onto the market. It was initially marketed under the brand name: Ritalin. As a historical note, the name ‘ritalin’ came from the scientist’s wife, who was named: ‘Rita-Lynn’. It was first commercially released in 1958. It’s modern day forms are: Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Metadate CD, Daytrana (the skin patch), Biphentin and others.

The stimulant medications are quite effective at treating ADD and ADHD. Research shows that they work 60-80% of the time. They also work in ADD/ADHD across the lifespan – i.e. in kids with ADD/ADHD, teens with ADD/ADHD, and adults with ADD/ADHD.

One of the biggest benefits of the stimulants medicines is that they work quite quickly. If the doctor were to magically know what the right dose is for a particular medicine, that medicine would be working about 30-60 minutes after it’s taken. It then lasts as long as it’s supposed to, and then it wears off. Since doctors don’t always know the right dose of the medication, they will generally start at a low dose of the medication and then start to increase the dose until a good clinical response is achieved. Of course, the doctor is also monitoring for side effects.

The most common side effects for the stimulant medicines are:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Worsening of tics
  • Agitation

If your doctor gives you a stimulant medicine, he or she will certainly explain the side effects, what to watch for, and how to handle them. Additionally, when you go to the pharmacy to get your prescription, your pharmacist will provide you with information about the particular medicine you’ve been prescribed.

Although many people are reluctant about using a stimulant medicine for ADD/ADHD because of articles or news reports, they are still very effective treatments which can help in the treatment of ADD and ADHD.



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