Table 2.

Most common medication treatment options for adult ADHD

First line agents	Duration of action	Start dose	Titration schedule	Maximum dose
OROS Methylphenidate HCL (Concerta)	12 h	18 mg qama	↑18 mg every 7 days	108 mg/day
Long-acting MPH (Ritalin LA)	8–12	10 mg qam	↑10 mg every 7 days	80 mg/day
Controlled release Methylphenidate (Biphentin)	10–12 h	10 mg qam	↑10 mg every 7 days	80 mg/day
Mixed Amphetamine salts XR	12 h	5 mg qam	↑ 5 mg every 7 days	60 mg/day
(Adderall XRc)
Atomoxetine (Strattera)	24 h	0.5 mg/kg/day	↑ 0.8 mg/kg/day for 10 days, then 1.2 mg/kg/day	100 mg/day
Second line agents
Methylphenidate HCL (Ritalin)	3–5 h	10 mg qam and qnoonb	↑10 mg every 7 days	100 mg/day
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)	4–5 h	5 mg qam and qnoon	↑ 5 mg every 7 days	60 mg/day
Dextroamphetamine Spansule	6–8 h	10 mg qam	↑ 5 mg every 7 days	60 mg/day
(Dexedrine spansule)

Source: (CADDRA 2006; Paykina and Greenhill 2007).

^aqam – every morning.

^bqnoon – at noon.

^cAdderall XR – Adderall extended release.