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The History of ADHD Treatments
Overview:
Mainstay Medication
Stimulants, such as CONCERTA®, are the most common treatment for ADHD
Healthcare professionals have been prescribing stimulants for ADHD since 1960
Stimulants can help improve the symptoms of ADHD
When used under medical supervision, stimulants are generally well tolerated
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The History of ADHD Treatments
Mainstay Medication
Stimulants, such as CONCERTA®, are the most common treatment for ADHD
Healthcare professionals have been prescribing stimulants for ADHD since 1960
Stimulants can help improve the symptoms of ADHD
When used under medical supervision, stimulants are generally well tolerated
The most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD today are from a class of drugs called stimulants. Healthcare professionals have been prescribing stimulants to treat ADHD since 1960. They are proven to improve ADHD symptoms, including inattention and hyperactivity.
Stimulants work to enhance the availability of the brain's chemical messengers dopamine and norepinephrine by mimicking the brain's natural production of them. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.
When used under medical supervision, stimulants are generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, increased anxiety, and/or irritability. Mild increases in heart rate and blood pressure can occur in some people taking stimulants.
ADHD medications are available in short and long-acting formulations. The short-acting forms can last up to 4 hours. And, long-acting forms like CONCERTA® are time-released to deliver medication throughout the day.
CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talk to your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.
CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA®; significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.
Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs; has had any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, or seizure. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child: develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal or extreme moods and/or excessive activity; or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®. Your child's healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® treatment if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.
Stimulants may impair the ability of the patient to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles. Caution should be used accordingly until you are reasonably certain that CONCERTA® does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.
The most common adverse reaction (>5%) reported in children and adolescents was upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) reported in adults were dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and insomnia.
CONCERTA® and OROS® are registered trademarks of ALZA Corporation
© Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2009. All rights reserved.
This site is published by McNeil Pediatrics™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site and its contents are intended for USA audiences only.
Questions or comments? Call 1-888-440-7903
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For information on free or discounted prescription medications, visit Access2Wellness Patient Assistance Program or call 866-317-2775.
What is ADHD