Medications Used in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
| Generic Class (Brand Name) | Daily Dosage Schedule | Duration | Prescribing Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stimulants (First-Line Treatment) | |||
| Methylphenidate | |||
| Short-acting (Ritalin, Metadate, Methylin) | Twice a day (BID) to 3 times a day (TID) | 3–5 hr | 5–20 mg BID to TID |
| Intermediate-acting (Ritalin SR, Metadate ER, Methylin ER) | Once a day (QD) to BID | 3–8 hr | 20–40 mg QD or 40 mg in the morning and 20 early afternoon |
| Extended Release (Concerta, Metadate CD, Ritalin LA*) | QD | 8–12 hr | 18–72 mg QD |
| Amphetamine | |||
| Short-acting (Dexedrine, Dextrostat) | BID to TID | 4–6 hr | 5–15 mg BID or 5–10 mg TID |
| Intermediate-acting (Adderall, Dexedrine spansule) | QD to BID | 6–8 hr | 5–30 mg QD or 5–15 mg BID |
| Extended Release (Adderall-XR*) | QD | 10–30 mg QD | |
| Antidepressants (Second-Line Treatment) | |||
| Tricyclics (TCAs) | BID to TID | 2–5 mg/kg/day† | |
| Imipramine, Desipramine | |||
| Bupropion | |||
| (Wellbutrin) (Wellbutrin SR) | QD to TID BID | 50–100 mg TID 100–150 mg BID |