Stimulants, Simplified
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed and most effective medication for ADHD. Stimulants include amphetamine-based medications (eg Adderall, Adderall XR, Vyvanse and Dexedrine) and methylphenidate-based medications (eg Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Quillivant).
Why Are They Called Stimulants?
These medications stimulate activity in specific areas of the brain, particularly those involved in attention, focus, and impulse control.
How Stimulants Work:
Stimulants increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters, primarily dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These chemicals help regulate mood, attention, and behavior. In people with ADHD, these brain pathways often function at lower levels, making it harder to focus and control impulses.
By boosting these neurotransmitters, stimulants help:
Improve attention span
Increase focus and concentration
Reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors
Though "stimulant" sounds like these medications would make someone more hyperactive, in people with ADHD they often have the opposite effect—helping them stay calm, organized, and better able to regulate their behavior.
I like to remind patients that stimulants are just one option for ADHD treatment. Non-stimulants are available. And the most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication + psychotherapy.
