The following is a brief overview of the most common medications used in the UK for the treatment of ADHD. We do not endorse any of the following but do recognize the need for a lay-persons description of these medications to enable those who have been diagnosed to make informed choices in the treatment they or their child receives.

Please note that the following is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is only intended as a guide, purely for information only. Any medication or alteration of current medications should be discussed fully with your physician or other medical professional.

Ritalin - Methylphenidate

This is licensed in the UK for the treatment of children - however Ritalin can be prescribed for adults, as it does not have a license for adults it can only be prescribed through the individual doctors clinical judgment.

Ritalin is one of the stimulant drugs and is a derivative of amphetamine - when used correctly it is safe and effective.

It is a fast absorbing medication and is usually absorbed within ½ hour reaching maximum effectiveness within 1 - 2 hours after 4 - 5 hours it has passed through the system.

Side Effects

Can sometime occur such as: -

Insomnia, loss of appetite

Both of which usually return to normal within a short time but proper monitoring by a qualified ADHD aware doctor is essential

Tics, irritability, depression, tummy aches, headaches, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth and constipation.

These are mainly seen at higher doses and are not always attributed to the Ritalin. They should therefore be discussed with the doctor.

There is no evidence to suggest that Ritalin free holidays are necessary and certainly the idea of only using in school time is unnecessary.

Dexadrine - Dexamphetamine

Dexadrine is very similar to Ritalin with the same type of side effects occasionally seen. The only major difference is that Dexadrine can stay in the blood longer than Ritalin reducing the frequency of the dose.

Imipramine - Tofranil

This is one of the tricylic antidepressants.

Imipramine helps with anxiety and depression and is used when stimulant medication fails to get a response or it not appropriate to be given. It is not as effective with the core ADHD symptoms.

can include: -

dry mouth, constipation, rash, raised blood pressure, confusion, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms.

Only the first two are usually seen however this medication should be carefully monitored by the doctor and regular blood pressure and pulse checks should be made. Also if there is a concern EEG recordings can be taken.

Clonidine - Catapres - Dixirit

Clonidine is an antihypertensive medication and is often used later in the day to help combat insomnia which can be caused by stimulant medication. Clonidine can help symptoms by: -

Clonidine is usually given in conjunction with Ritalin or Dexadrine,

Side Effects

can include: -

Sedation, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, rash

There is a very slight concern of heart deaths and Clonidine must be withdrawn gradually.

Overdose is very dangerous.

Clonidine blocks norepinephrine auto-receptors.

Drug Combinations

If certain medications help only some of the symptoms a combination of medications may be tried, but only in consultation with your physician or medical practitioner.

For example Tricylic Antidepressants can help with depression but ADHD symptoms remain, Ritalin or Dexadrine can be used in conjunction to enable relief of all symptoms. Likewise Clonidine can be used to combat aggressive behavior along with Ritalin or Dexadrine for the other ADHD symptoms.

It is hoped that in the near future safer and more convenient medications will become available in the U.K. Already available in the U.S. are the slow-release forms of Ritalin and Dexadrine. ADDerall is also available in the U.S. this is a combination of Dexadrine preparations and Clonidine patches rather than tablets.