Stimulants are most often prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These prescription drugs are effective in regulating how the brain regulates behavior and controls impulses. They act by providing balance to certain chemicals found in the brain, called neurotransmitters. Stimulants are available in extended-release, short-acting and sustained-release forms.
Ritalin
Ritalin, or methylphenidate, is used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and, in certain cases, depression. However, depression is not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug. This medication is a mild stimulant available in short-acting, sustained-release and extended-release forms. Dosage for the drug is based on age, weight, condition and previous response to the drug.
Concerta
Concerta is also called by the generic name methylphenidate. This drug is available in only one form--sustained release, and lasts for a 12-hour period. This medication is a mild stimulant and is not recommended to treat mild fatigue symptoms. Concerta is most often prescribed for treatment of ADHD, and is sometimes prescribed for narcolepsy. In extreme cases, the drug is also used in combination with other medications to treat mood disorders as well as certain cases of depression.
Focalin
Focalin's generic name is dexmethylphenidate. The drug is approved, and most often prescribed, for treating the symptoms of ADHD. Focalin is also used to treat sleep disorders including narcolepsy. Unlike methylphenidate stimulant medications, focalin is not recommended for use to treat severe depression, tiredness or to hold off sleep for those who are not suffering from a sleep disorder. Focalin is available in both 8-hour and 12-hour sustained-release forms.
Dexedrine
Dexedrine, or dextroamphetamine, is also used as part of a total treatment plan for ADHD. The drug is also used to treat certain sleeping disorders such as narcolepsy to help the patient stay awake during the day. However, it is not recommended for use in patients who are trying to hold off sleep and do not suffer from a sleep disorder, or to treat mild tiredness symptoms. Dexedrine is available in short-acting, sustained-release and extended-release forms.
Adderall
Adderall is a combination of the two stimulants: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is mostly prescribed for treatment of ADHD symptoms and has been used to treat sleeping disorders such as narcolepsy. It is not recommended to take Adderall to treat mild tiredness symptoms. The medication is available in a sustained-release 12-hour formula. Canada suspended the sale of the drug in 2005 due to sudden deaths in children taking the medication.
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