PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR ADHD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Abstract
Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. Various treatment methods are available for this condition, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Pharmacotherapy is currently the most effective method of reducing the core symptoms of ADHD. The most commonly used medications include psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines. Comparing the efficacy and safety of available medications is particularly important in order to select the appropriate treatment for individual.
Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to review the available literature on the pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and to summarize current knowledge. We presented the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of individual drugs used in the pharmacotherapy of ADHD.
Methods and materials: We reviewed the literature available in the PubMed database using the following keywords: “ADHD treatment”; “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder treatment”; “Stimulants”; “Non-stimulants”; “Methylphenidate”; “Atomoxetine”; “ADHD”; “Bupropion”; ‘Modafinil’; “α-agonists”; “Lisdexamphetamine (LDX)”; “Mixed Amphetamine Salts”, “Clonidine”; “Viloxazine”; “Centanafadine”
Conclusion: Pharmacotherapy is the most effective method of reducing the core symptoms of ADHD. Psychostimulants are currently considered the most effective and most commonly used drugs for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In cases of intolerance or contraindications to their use, non-stimulant medications are an alternative. New medications such as viloxazine and centanafadine also offer promising alternatives. Individualization of pharmacological treatment is crucial to achieve optimal results.
References
Spencer, T. J., Biederman, J., & Mick, E. (2007). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis, lifespan, comorbidities, and neurobiology. Ambulatory pediatrics : the official journal of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association, 7(1 Suppl), 73–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ambp.2006.07.006
Polanczyk, G., de Lima, M. S., Horta, B. L., Biederman, J., & Rohde, L. A. (2007). The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: a systematic review and metaregression analysis. The American journal of psychiatry, 164(6), 942–948. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2007.164.6.942
Simon, V., Czobor, P., Bálint, S., Mészáros, A., & Bitter, I. (2009). Prevalence and correlates of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: meta-analysis. The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 194(3), 204–211. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.107.048827
Lahey, B. B., Applegate, B., McBurnett, K., Biederman, J., Greenhill, L., Hynd, G. W., Barkley, R. A., Newcorn, J., Jensen, P., & Richters, J. (1994). DSM-IV field trials for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. The American journal of psychiatry, 151(11), 1673–1685. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.151.11.1673
Dulcan M. (1997). Practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 36(10 Suppl), 85S–121S. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-199710001-00007
Heidbreder R. (2015). ADHD symptomatology is best conceptualized as a spectrum: a dimensional versus unitary approach to diagnosis. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, 7(4), 249–269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-015-0171-4
Galéra, C., Melchior, M., Chastang, J. F., Bouvard, M. P., & Fombonne, E. (2009). Childhood and adolescent hyperactivity-inattention symptoms and academic achievement 8 years later: the GAZEL Youth study. Psychological medicine, 39(11), 1895–1906. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291709005510
Grygiel, P., Humenny, G., Rębisz, S., Bajcar, E., & Świtaj, P. (2018). Peer Rejection and Perceived Quality of Relations With Schoolmates Among Children With ADHD. Journal of attention disorders, 22(8), 738–751. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054714563791
DuPaul, G. J., McGoey, K. E., Eckert, T. L., & VanBrakle, J. (2001). Preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: impairments in behavioral, social, and school functioning. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(5), 508–515. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-200105000-00009
Kooij, S. J., Bejerot, S., Blackwell, A., Caci, H., Casas-Brugué, M., Carpentier, P. J., Edvinsson, D., Fayyad, J., Foeken, K., Fitzgerald, M., Gaillac, V., Ginsberg, Y., Henry, C., Krause, J., Lensing, M. B., Manor, I., Niederhofer, H., Nunes-Filipe, C., Ohlmeier, M. D., Oswald, P., … Asherson, P. (2010). European consensus statement on diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD: The European Network Adult ADHD. BMC psychiatry, 10, 67. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-10-67
Mao, A. R., & Findling, R. L. (2014). Comorbidities in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a practical guide to diagnosis in primary care. Postgraduate medicine, 126(5), 42–51. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2014.09.2799
Kessler, R. C., Adler, L., Barkley, R., Biederman, J., Conners, C. K., Demler, O., Faraone, S. V., Greenhill, L. L., Howes, M. J., Secnik, K., Spencer, T., Ustun, T. B., Walters, E. E., & Zaslavsky, A. M. (2006). The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. The American journal of psychiatry, 163(4), 716–723. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2006.163.4.716
Faraone S. V. (2018). The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 87, 255–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001
A 14-month randomized clinical trial of treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The MTA Cooperative Group. Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD. (1999). Archives of general psychiatry, 56(12), 1073–1086. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.56.12.1073
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. March, 2018. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87
Pringsheim, T., Hirsch, L., Gardner, D., & Gorman, D. A. (2015). The pharmacological management of oppositional behaviour, conduct problems, and aggression in children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Part 1: psychostimulants, alpha-2 agonists, and atomoxetine. Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 60(2), 42–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674371506000202
Catalá-López, F., Hutton, B., Núñez-Beltrán, A., Page, M. J., Ridao, M., Macías Saint-Gerons, D., Catalá, M. A., Tabarés-Seisdedos, R., & Moher, D. (2017). The pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A systematic review with network meta-analyses of randomised trials. PloS one, 12(7), e0180355. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180355
Liu, Q., Zhang, H., Fang, Q., & Qin, L. (2017). Comparative efficacy and safety of methylphenidate and atomoxetine for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: Meta-analysis based on head-to-head trials. Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology, 39(9), 854–865. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2016.1273320
Riera, M., Castells, X., Tobias, A., Cunill, R., Blanco, L., & Capellà, D. (2017). Discontinuation of pharmacological treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: meta-analysis of 63 studies enrolling 11,788 patients. Psychopharmacology, 234(17), 2657–2671. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-017-4662-1
Cortese, S., Adamo, N., Del Giovane, C., Mohr-Jensen, C., Hayes, A. J., Carucci, S., Atkinson, L. Z., Tessari, L., Banaschewski, T., Coghill, D., Hollis, C., Simonoff, E., Zuddas, A., Barbui, C., Purgato, M., Steinhausen, H. C., Shokraneh, F., Xia, J., & Cipriani, A. (2018). Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. The lancet. Psychiatry, 5(9), 727–738. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4
Krause, K. H., Dresel, S. H., Krause, J., Kung, H. F., & Tatsch, K. (2000). Increased striatal dopamine transporter in adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: effects of methylphenidate as measured by single photon emission computed tomography. Neuroscience letters, 285(2), 107–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0304-3940(00)01040-5
Cortese S. (2020). Pharmacologic Treatment of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder. The New England journal of medicine, 383(11), 1050–1056. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1917069
Coghill D. (2010). The impact of medications on quality of life in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review. CNS drugs, 24(10), 843–866. https://doi.org/10.2165/11537450-000000000-00000
Spencer, T. J., Adler, L. A., McGough, J. J., Muniz, R., Jiang, H., Pestreich, L., & Adult ADHD Research Group (2007). Efficacy and safety of dexmethylphenidate extended-release capsules in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biological psychiatry, 61(12), 1380–1387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.07.032
Weiss, M. D., Childress, A. C., & Donnelly, G. A. E. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of PRC-063, Extended-Release Multilayer Methylphenidate in Adults with ADHD Including 6-Month Open-Label Extension. Journal of attention disorders, 25(10), 1417–1428. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054719896853
Ayme-Dietrich, E., Kaguelidou, F., Bertschy, G., & Chouchana, L. (2024). Use of methylphenidate and reporting of valvular heart disease: Global pharmacovigilance analysis in children and adults. Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety, 33(6), e5814. https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.5814
Spencer, T., Biederman, J., Wilens, T., Doyle, R., Surman, C., Prince, J., Mick, E., Aleardi, M., Herzig, K., & Faraone, S. (2005). A large, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of methylphenidate in the treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biological psychiatry, 57(5), 456–463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.11.043
Wilens, T. E., Hammerness, P. G., Biederman, J., Kwon, A., Spencer, T. J., Clark, S., Scott, M., Podolski, A., Ditterline, J. W., Morris, M. C., & Moore, H. (2005). Blood pressure changes associated with medication treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 66(2), 253–259. https://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.v66n0215
Biederman, J., Mick, E., Surman, C., Doyle, R., Hammerness, P., Harpold, T., Dunkel, S., Dougherty, M., Aleardi, M., & Spencer, T. (2006). A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of OROS methylphenidate in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biological psychiatry, 59(9), 829–835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.09.011
Hammerness, P. G., Perrin, J. M., Shelley-Abrahamson, R., & Wilens, T. E. (2011). Cardiovascular risk of stimulant treatment in pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: update and clinical recommendations. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(10), 978–990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2011.07.018
Tunca, Ç., Güllü, İ. H., Demirtaş İnci, S., Kalkan, K., Demirkol Tunca, R., Efe, A., Özkaya Ibiş, A. N., Taş, A., Taha Özkan, M., Tanik, V. O., Ortaköylü, O., & Özbeyaz, N. B. (2025). Echocardiographic Evaluation of the Effect of Long-Term Methylphenidate Use on Cardiovascular Functions. Journal of attention disorders, 29(5), 326–335. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547241307680
Liu, H., Feng, W., & Zhang, D. (2019). Association of ADHD medications with the risk of cardiovascular diseases: a meta-analysis. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 28(10), 1283–1293. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-018-1217-x
Poulton A. (2005). Growth on stimulant medication; clarifying the confusion: a review. Archives of disease in childhood, 90(8), 801–806. https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.2004.056952
Man, K. K. C., Häge, A., Banaschewski, T., Inglis, S. K., Buitelaar, J., Carucci, S., Danckaerts, M., Dittmann, R. W., Falissard, B., Garas, P., Hollis, C., Konrad, K., Kovshoff, H., Liddle, E., McCarthy, S., Neubert, A., Nagy, P., Rosenthal, E., Sonuga-Barke, E. J. S., Zuddas, A., … ADDUCE Consortium (2023). Long-term safety of methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD: 2-year outcomes of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drugs Use Chronic Effects (ADDUCE) study. The lancet. Psychiatry, 10(5), 323–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00042-1
Reiersen A. M. (2018). Occurrence of psychotic symptoms during treatment of ADHD with methylphenidate: Clinical significance and the need for further research. Scandinavian journal of child and adolescent psychiatry and psychology, 6(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.21307/sjcapp-2018-007
Gomeni, R., Komolova, M., Incledon, B., & Faraone, S. V. (2020). Model-Based Approach for Establishing the Predicted Clinical Response of a Delayed-Release and Extended-Release Methylphenidate for the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 40(4), 350–358. https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0000000000001222
Pliszka, S. R., Wilens, T. E., Bostrom, S., Arnold, V. K., Marraffino, A., Cutler, A. J., López, F. A., DeSousa, N. J., Sallee, F. R., Incledon, B., & Newcorn, J. H. (2017). Efficacy and Safety of HLD200, Delayed-Release and Extended-Release Methylphenidate, in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 27(6), 474–482. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2017.0084
Groenman, A. P., Schweren, L. J., Dietrich, A., & Hoekstra, P. J. (2017). An update on the safety of psychostimulants for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Expert opinion on drug safety, 16(4), 455–464. https://doi.org/10.1080/14740338.2017.1301928
Arnsten A. F. (2009). The Emerging Neurobiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: The Key Role of the Prefrontal Association Cortex. The Journal of pediatrics, 154(5), I–S43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.01.018
Steingard, R., Taskiran, S., Connor, D. F., Markowitz, J. S., & Stein, M. A. (2019). New Formulations of Stimulants: An Update for Clinicians. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 29(5), 324–339. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2019.0043
Faraone, S. V., Childress, A. C., Gomeni, R., Rafla, E., Kando, J. C., Dansie, L., Naik, P., & Pardo, A. (2023). Efficacy of Amphetamine Extended-Release Oral Suspension in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Effect Size Across the Day. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 33(1), 14–19. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2022.0093
Findling R. L. (2008). Evolution of the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: a review. Clinical therapeutics, 30(5), 942–957. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2008.05.006
Najib J. (2009). The efficacy and safety profile of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prodrug of d-amphetamine, for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. Clinical therapeutics, 31(1), 142–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2009.01.015
Biederman, J., Boellner, S. W., Childress, A., Lopez, F. A., Krishnan, S., & Zhang, Y. (2007). Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and mixed amphetamine salts extended-release in children with ADHD: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover analog classroom study. Biological psychiatry, 62(9), 970–976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.04.015
Frampton J. E. (2018). Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate: A Review in Paediatric ADHD. Drugs, 78(10), 1025–1036. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-018-0936-0
Findling, R. L., Childress, A. C., Cutler, A. J., Gasior, M., Hamdani, M., Ferreira-Cornwell, M. C., & Squires, L. (2011). Efficacy and safety of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(4), 395–405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2011.01.007
Maneeton, N., Maneeton, B., Suttajit, S., Reungyos, J., Srisurapanont, M., & Martin, S. D. (2014). Exploratory meta-analysis on lisdexamfetamine versus placebo in adult ADHD. Drug design, development and therapy, 8, 1685–1693. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S68393
Frampton J. E. (2016). Lisdexamfetamine: A Review in ADHD in Adults. CNS drugs, 30(4), 343–354. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-016-0327-6
Biederman, J., Krishnan, S., Zhang, Y., McGough, J. J., & Findling, R. L. (2007). Efficacy and tolerability of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (NRP-104) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, forced-dose, parallel-group study. Clinical therapeutics, 29(3), 450–463. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0149-2918(07)80083-x
Coghill, D., Banaschewski, T., Lecendreux, M., Soutullo, C., Johnson, M., Zuddas, A., Anderson, C., Civil, R., Higgins, N., Lyne, A., & Squires, L. (2013). European, randomized, phase 3 study of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 23(10), 1208–1218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2012.11.012
Soutullo, C., Banaschewski, T., Lecendreux, M., Johnson, M., Zuddas, A., Anderson, C., Civil, R., Higgins, N., Bloomfield, R., Squires, L. A., & Coghill, D. R. (2013). A post hoc comparison of the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate on symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. CNS drugs, 27(9), 743–751. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-013-0086-6
Nagy, P., Häge, A., Coghill, D. R., Caballero, B., Adeyi, B., Anderson, C. S., Sikirica, V., & Cardo, E. (2016). Functional outcomes from a head-to-head, randomized, double-blind trial of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and atomoxetine in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and an inadequate response to methylphenidate. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 25(2), 141–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-015-0718-0
Findling, R. L., Cutler, A. J., Saylor, K., Gasior, M., Hamdani, M., Ferreira-Cornwell, M. C., & Childress, A. C. (2013). A long-term open-label safety and effectiveness trial of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 23(1), 11–21. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2011.0088
Weisler R. H. (2005). Safety, efficacy and extended duration of action of mixed amphetamine salts extended-release capsules for the treatment of ADHD. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 6(6), 1003–1018. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.6.6.1003
Frick, G., Yan, B., & Adler, L. A. (2020). Triple-Bead Mixed Amphetamine Salts (SHP465) in Adults With ADHD: Results of a Phase 3, Double-Blind, Randomized, Forced-Dose Trial. Journal of attention disorders, 24(3), 402–413. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054717696771
McGough, J. J., Biederman, J., Wigal, S. B., Lopez, F. A., McCracken, J. T., Spencer, T., Zhang, Y., & Tulloch, S. J. (2005). Long-term tolerability and effectiveness of once-daily mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall XR) in children with ADHD. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 44(6), 530–538. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.chi.0000157550.94702.a2
Cutler, A. J., Suzuki, K., Starling, B., Balakrishnan, K., Komaroff, M., Meeves, S., Castelli, M., & Childress, A. (2023). d-Amphetamine Transdermal System in Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Secondary Endpoint Results and Post Hoc Effect Size Analyses from a Pivotal Trial. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 33(5), 176–182. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2023.0005
Levin, F. R., Mariani, J. J., Specker, S., Mooney, M., Mahony, A., Brooks, D. J., Babb, D., Bai, Y., Eberly, L. E., Nunes, E. V., & Grabowski, J. (2015). Extended-Release Mixed Amphetamine Salts vs Placebo for Comorbid Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Cocaine Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA psychiatry, 72(6), 593–602. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.41
Armstrong, C., & Kapolowicz, M. R. (2023). Mixed Amphetamine Salts Without a Mood Stabilizer for Treating Comorbid Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Bipolar Disorder: Two Case Reports. Military medicine, 188(5-6), e1316–e1319. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usab305
Wisor J. (2013). Modafinil as a catecholaminergic agent: empirical evidence and unanswered questions. Frontiers in neurology, 4, 139. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2013.00139
Wang, S. M., Han, C., Lee, S. J., Jun, T. Y., Patkar, A. A., Masand, P. S., & Pae, C. U. (2017). Modafinil for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis. Journal of psychiatric research, 84, 292–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.09.034
Zahed, G., Roozbakhsh, M., Davari Ashtiani, R., & Razjouyan, K. (2022). The Effect of Long-Acting Methylphenidate and Modafinil on Attention and Impulsivity of Children with ADHD using a Continuous Performance Test: A Comparative Study. Iranian journal of child neurology, 16(3), 67–77. https://doi.org/10.22037/ijcn.v16i2.32541
Arnold, V. K., Feifel, D., Earl, C. Q., Yang, R., & Adler, L. A. (2014). A 9-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of modafinil as treatment for adults with ADHD. Journal of attention disorders, 18(2), 133–144. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054712441969
Stahl, S. M., Pradko, J. F., Haight, B. R., Modell, J. G., Rockett, C. B., & Learned-Coughlin, S. (2004). A Review of the Neuropharmacology of Bupropion, a Dual Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry, 6(4), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v06n0403
Verbeeck, W., Bekkering, G. E., Van den Noortgate, W., & Kramers, C. (2017). Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 10(10), CD009504. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd009504.pub2
Ng Q. X. (2017). A Systematic Review of the Use of Bupropion for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 27(2), 112–116. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2016.0124
Li, Y., Gao, J., He, S., Zhang, Y., & Wang, Q. (2017). An Evaluation on the Efficacy and Safety of Treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: a Comparison of Multiple Treatments. Molecular neurobiology, 54(9), 6655–6669. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-016-0179-6
Stuhec, M., Munda, B., Svab, V., & Locatelli, I. (2015). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of atomoxetine, lisdexamfetamine, bupropion and methylphenidate in treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis with focus on bupropion. Journal of affective disorders, 178, 149–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.03.006
Clemow, D. B., & Bushe, C. J. (2015). Atomoxetine in patients with ADHD: A clinical and pharmacological review of the onset, trajectory, duration of response and implications for patients. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 29(12), 1221–1230. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881115602489
Caye, A., Swanson, J. M., Coghill, D., & Rohde, L. A. (2019). Treatment strategies for ADHD: an evidence-based guide to select optimal treatment. Molecular psychiatry, 24(3), 390–408. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-018-0116-3
Schwartz, S., & Correll, C. U. (2014). Efficacy and safety of atomoxetine in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results from a comprehensive meta-analysis and metaregression. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 53(2), 174–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.11.005
Adler, L. A., Solanto, M., Escobar, R., Lipsius, S., & Upadhyaya, H. (2020). Executive Functioning Outcomes Over 6 Months of Atomoxetine for Adults With ADHD: Relationship to Maintenance of Response and Relapse Over the Subsequent 6 Months After Treatment. Journal of attention disorders, 24(3), 363–372. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054716664411
Michelson, D., Buitelaar, J. K., Danckaerts, M., Gillberg, C., Spencer, T. J., Zuddas, A., Faries, D. E., Zhang, S., & Biederman, J. (2004). Relapse prevention in pediatric patients with ADHD treated with atomoxetine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 43(7), 896–904. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.chi.0000125089.35109.81
Strattera® (atomoxetine hydrochloride) - Prescribing information. Retrieved October 29, 2020, from http://pi.lilly.com/us/strattera-pi.pdf
Arnsten, A. F., & Pliszka, S. R. (2011). Catecholamine influences on prefrontal cortical function: relevance to treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and related disorders. Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 99(2), 211–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2011.01.020
Briars, L., & Todd, T. (2016). A Review of Pharmacological Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG, 21(3), 192–206. https://doi.org/10.5863/1551-6776-21.3.192
Yu, S., Shen, S., & Tao, M. (2023). Guanfacine for the Treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 33(2), 40–50. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2022.0038
Taylor, F. B., & Russo, J. (2001). Comparing guanfacine and dextroamphetamine for the treatment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 21(2), 223–228. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004714-200104000-00015
Guanfacine for ADHD in children and adolescents. (2016). Drug and therapeutics bulletin, 54(5), 56–60. https://doi.org/10.1136/dtb.2016.5.0402
Lee, T., & Kim, H. W. (2025). A Review and an Update on Pharmacological Treatment of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 36(1), 11–17. https://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.240040
Mechler, K., Banaschewski, T., Hohmann, S., & Häge, A. (2022). Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 230, 107940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107940
Edinoff, A. N., Akuly, H. A., Wagner, J. H., Boudreaux, M. A., Kaplan, L. A., Yusuf, S., Neuchat, E. E., Cornett, E. M., Boyer, A. G., Kaye, A. M., & Kaye, A. D. (2021). Viloxazine in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 789982. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.789982
Lamb Y. N. (2021). Viloxazine: Pediatric First Approval. Paediatric drugs, 23(4), 403–409. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-021-00453-3
Nasser, A., Liranso, T., Adewole, T., Fry, N., Hull, J. T., Chowdhry, F., Busse, G. D., Cutler, A. J., Jones, N. J., Findling, R. L., & Schwabe, S. (2020). A Phase III, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Once-daily SPN-812 (Viloxazine Extended-release) in the Treatment of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in School-age Children. Clinical therapeutics, 42(8), 1452–1466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.05.021
Farhat, L. C., Lannes, A., Del Giovane, C., Parlatini, V., Garcia-Argibay, M., Ostinelli, E. G., Tomlinson, A., Chang, Z., Larsson, H., Fava, C., Montastruc, F., Cipriani, A., Revet, A., & Cortese, S. (2025). Comparative cardiovascular safety of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. The lancet. Psychiatry, 12(5), 355–365. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(25)00062-8
Price, M. Z., & Price, R. L. (2023). Extended-Release Viloxazine Compared with Atomoxetine for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. CNS drugs, 37(7), 655–660. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-023-01023-6
Adler, L. A., Adams, J., Madera-McDonough, J., Kohegyi, E., Hobart, M., Chang, D., Angelicola, M., McQuade, R., & Liebowitz, M. (2022). Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Centanafadine Sustained-Release Tablets in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Results of 2 Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Trials. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 42(5), 429–439. https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0000000000001575
Wigal, S. B., Wigal, T., Hobart, M., Madera, J. J., Baker, R. A., Kohegyi, E., McKinney, A., & Wilens, T. E. (2020). Safety and Efficacy of Centanafadine Sustained-Release in Adults With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Results of Phase 2 Studies. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 16, 1411–1426. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S242084
Views:
56
Downloads:
13
Copyright (c) 2025 Paweł Grzesikowski, Paulina Klich, Kinga Bekier, Jakub Kubiak, Jan Górski, Hanna Nowicka, Dominika Liszka, Maria Joks, Emmanuelle Ordon, Kamila Ostromecka

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All articles are published in open-access and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). Hence, authors retain copyright to the content of the articles.
CC BY 4.0 License allows content to be copied, adapted, displayed, distributed, re-published or otherwise re-used for any purpose including for adaptation and commercial use provided the content is attributed.