Drug Name Indication (include Short-acting, intermediate- Notable side effects /Patient education instructions
(include if IR, XR, approved ages) acting or long-acting.
ODT, LA) Neurotransmitter(s) Duration of action, peak (if
Affected noted) ADHD Table
Target Symptoms
Methylphenidate Indication: ADHD (ge 6-17 Immediate-release=2-4 hrs SE=insomnia, headache, exacerbation of tics,
(D/L) and adults), narcolepsy, XR=combination of nervousness, irritability,overstimulation, tremor,
(Concerta, Ritalin) treatment resistant immediate and XR, releases dizziness, anorexia, nausea, ab pain, wt loss, *slows
depression in 2 pulses growth?, blurred vision
NT: increases NE and DA by Psychotic episodes, priaprism (rare), palpitations, HTN,
blocking reuptake (in rare neuroleptic malignant syndrome, hypomania, SI, CV
dorsolateral prefrontal effects
cortex=improves attn,
concentration, executive
function, in basal ganglia=
improveshyperactivity, in
medial PF
cortex/hypothalamus=impr
oves depression,
sleepiness)
Target Symptoms:
concentration, attn span,
hyperactivity,
impulsicvness, physical and
mental fatigue, daytime
sleepiness, depression
Dexmethylphenidate Indication: ADHD Immediate= 2-4 hour ½ life SE: insomnia, decreased appetite, tachycardia, dry
(Focalin) (D- isomer NT: inhibits reuptake of NE and XR= 6-8 hour ½ life mouth, anxiety
of and DA, stimulant
methylphenidate=mo Target Symptoms:
re potent than inattention, hyperactivity,
methylphenidate, so impulsivity
can be prescribed at
lower dose)
Jornay PM Indication: ADHD XR delayed release taken at SE: insomnia, decreased appetite, tachycardia, dry
(formulation of NT: inhibits reuptake of NE night with peak effect mouth, anxiety, stomacheache, priaprism, reynauds, wt
methylphenidate) and DA, CNS stimulant during day loss, irritability
Target Symptoms:
inattention, hyperactivity,
impulsivity
Amphetamine Indication: ADHD XR disintegrating tablet 8- SE: insomnia, decreased appetite, tachycardia, dry
(Adzenzys) NT: inhibits reuptake of NE 12 hour duration mouth, anxiety
and DA, stimulant (same as
Target Symptoms: dextroamphetamine just a
(include if IR, XR, approved ages) acting or long-acting.
ODT, LA) Neurotransmitter(s) Duration of action, peak (if
Affected noted) ADHD Table
Target Symptoms
Methylphenidate Indication: ADHD (ge 6-17 Immediate-release=2-4 hrs SE=insomnia, headache, exacerbation of tics,
(D/L) and adults), narcolepsy, XR=combination of nervousness, irritability,overstimulation, tremor,
(Concerta, Ritalin) treatment resistant immediate and XR, releases dizziness, anorexia, nausea, ab pain, wt loss, *slows
depression in 2 pulses growth?, blurred vision
NT: increases NE and DA by Psychotic episodes, priaprism (rare), palpitations, HTN,
blocking reuptake (in rare neuroleptic malignant syndrome, hypomania, SI, CV
dorsolateral prefrontal effects
cortex=improves attn,
concentration, executive
function, in basal ganglia=
improveshyperactivity, in
medial PF
cortex/hypothalamus=impr
oves depression,
sleepiness)
Target Symptoms:
concentration, attn span,
hyperactivity,
impulsicvness, physical and
mental fatigue, daytime
sleepiness, depression
Dexmethylphenidate Indication: ADHD Immediate= 2-4 hour ½ life SE: insomnia, decreased appetite, tachycardia, dry
(Focalin) (D- isomer NT: inhibits reuptake of NE and XR= 6-8 hour ½ life mouth, anxiety
of and DA, stimulant
methylphenidate=mo Target Symptoms:
re potent than inattention, hyperactivity,
methylphenidate, so impulsivity
can be prescribed at
lower dose)
Jornay PM Indication: ADHD XR delayed release taken at SE: insomnia, decreased appetite, tachycardia, dry
(formulation of NT: inhibits reuptake of NE night with peak effect mouth, anxiety, stomacheache, priaprism, reynauds, wt
methylphenidate) and DA, CNS stimulant during day loss, irritability
Target Symptoms:
inattention, hyperactivity,
impulsivity
Amphetamine Indication: ADHD XR disintegrating tablet 8- SE: insomnia, decreased appetite, tachycardia, dry
(Adzenzys) NT: inhibits reuptake of NE 12 hour duration mouth, anxiety
and DA, stimulant (same as
Target Symptoms: dextroamphetamine just a
