From the Guidelines
Stimulants that work effectively include both prescription medications and common substances, with the most recent and highest quality study 1 supporting the use of prescription stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Concerta, as well as non-prescription stimulants like caffeine.
Effective Stimulants
The following are examples of effective stimulants:
- Prescription stimulants:
- Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) at doses of 5-30mg daily
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) at 10-60mg daily
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) at 30-70mg daily
- Concerta (extended-release methylphenidate) at 18-72mg daily
- Non-prescription stimulants:
- Caffeine (found in coffee at 80-100mg per cup, tea at 30-50mg per cup, and energy drinks at 80-300mg per serving)
Mechanism of Action
These medications work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, with prescription stimulants primarily prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, and caffeine working by blocking adenosine receptors to prevent drowsiness.
Optimal Use
For optimal effects, prescription stimulants should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider, typically in the morning to avoid sleep disruption, while caffeine is most effective when consumed in moderation (200-400mg daily) and earlier in the day.
Side Effects
Side effects of stimulants can include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia, and they should be avoided by people with certain heart conditions, high blood pressure, or anxiety disorders, as noted in studies 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Prior to initiating treatment with a stimulant, patients with comorbid depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder; such screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies, such symptoms occurred in about 0. 1% (4 patients with events out of 3,482 exposed to methylphenidate or amphetamine for several weeks at usual doses) of stimulant-treated patients compared to 0 in placebo-treated patients
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Effective Stimulants
Examples of effective stimulants include:
- Methylphenidate, as reported in studies 2, 3, 4
- Amphetamine, as mentioned in studies 2, 3, 5, 4
- Dexamphetamine, as noted in studies 6, 4
- Modafinil, as discussed in study 6
- Atomoxetine, as mentioned in studies 2, 3
- Guanfacine, as reported in study 3
- Clonidine, as noted in study 3
- Lisdexamfetamine, as mentioned in study 4
Conditions Treated with Stimulants
These stimulants are used to treat various conditions, including:
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 2, 3, 4
- Excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome and shift work sleep disorder 6
- Narcolepsy 6, 4
- Chronic fatigue 4
- Treatment-resistant depression 4
- Schizophrenia 4
- Bulimia nervosa 4
- Post-stroke and post-head injury conditions 4
- Dementia 4
- Certain types of cancer 4