Before prescribing any medication, the psychiatrist must consider the possible presence of comorbid conditions. In general, these medications cause increased availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are two of the numerous brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Methylphenidate is a short-acting drug. Dexedrine and Adderall are longer acting compounds that can be effective in adults for six to12 hours. A sustained release form of methamphetamine is available also, but this drug is infrequently used because of its higher addictive potential.
Most patients find that the longer-acting medications permit twice per day dosing.
Efforts are underway at several pharmaceutical companies to market new versions of stimulant medications. Transdermal patches and an osmotic delivery system containing methylphenidate are also being developed. The medications just described are all Schedule II drugs, which means that refills cannot be written and prescriptions cannot be called into pharmacies. Patients must be given written prescriptions. Cylert is free of these restrictions.