ADHD Stimulant Medication

This group of medications has treated ADHD for many decades.
Stimulant medications work for 70% to 80% of people.
These medicines can help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. They’re used to treat moderate and severe ADHD and they can be helpful for children, teens, and adults who have a hard time at school, work, or home.

ADHD stimulant medication side effects

There are potential side effects for all medications, including those for ADHD.

Most people don’t experience any, or if they do, they are short-lived (1-3 days) or mild.

Some side effects, that can occur, can be frustrating and result in your consideration of another medication that may be more suitable. Side effects from ADHD stimulant medication can include:

loss of appetite while the medication is in effect, and weight loss due to this
sleep problems (usually if the medication is taken too late in the day), or
crankiness when the medication wears off and tics.

In New Zealand, Medsafe safety advisers advise that specialists are also concerned that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may make heart and psychiatric problems more likely.

Stimulant medications to treat ADHD

Here's a list of the stimulant medication options used to treat ADHD in New Zealand.

There are other options available. Generally, other options are prescribed to treat ADHD and a co-existing condition(s).

Brand name

Active ingredient

Form

Links to MedSafe NZ datasheets

Dexamphetamine

Dexamphetamine sulphate

Tablets

Check for drug interactions and side effects

Vyvanse

Lisdexamfetamine dimesilate

Capsules

Check for drug interactions and side effects