ADHD Medication Timeline
Dr. Bradley's studies on the use of Benzedrine was once thought of as heralding the modern era of ADHD treatment, but that role has likely now passed to the newer, once-a-day ADHD medications that most kids take.
Although it seems like a lot of different ADHD medications have been developed over the years, especially in the last ten years, most of them use same basic active ingredients (methylphenidate and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) that have been used since the earliest days of ADHD research.
- 1937 - Benzedrine (racemic amphetamine)
- 1943 - Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride)
- 1955 - Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- 1955-1983 - Biphetamine (mixed amphetamine/dextroamphetamine resin)
- 1960 - Adderall (mixed amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts)
- 1975-2003 - Cylert (pemoline)
- 1976 - Dextrostat (dextroamphetamine)
- 1976 - Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
- 1982 - Ritalin SR
- 1999 - Metadate ER (methylphenidate)
- 2000 - Concerta (methylphenidate)
- 2000 - Methylin ER (methylphenidate)
- 2001 - Metadate CD (methylphenidate)
- 2001 - Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
- 2001 - Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts)
- 2002 - Ritalin LA
- 2002 - Methylin (methylphenidate) oral solution and chewable tablet
- 2002 - Strattera (atomoxetine)
- 2005 - Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)
- 2006 - Daytrana (methylphenidate)
- 2007 - Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
- 2009 - Intuniv (guanfacine hydrochloride)
- 2010 - Kapvay (clonidine hydrocloride)
Sources:
AAP. Medication for Hyperkinetic Children. Pediatrics, Apr 1975; 55: 560 - 562.
Bradley C. The behavior of children receiving Benzedrine. Amer. J. Psychiar., 94:577, 1937.
C. Keith Conners. Symposium: Behavior modification by drugs: II. Psychological effects of stimulant drugs in children with minimal brain dysfunction. Pediatrics, May 1972; 49: 702 - 708.
Clements, Sam D. Minimal Brain Dysfunction in Children; Terminology and Identification. Phase I of a Three-Phase Project. NINDB Monograph No. 3. 1966.
Conners, C.K. The effects of methylphenidate on symptomatology and learning in disturbed children. Am J Psychiatry 120:458-464, November 1963
Maurice W. Laufer, Eric Denhoff. Hyperkinetic behavior syndrome in children. Journal of Pediatrics Vol. 50, Issue 4, Pages 463-474.
Palmer, E.D. An Early Description of ADHD (Inattentive Subtype): Dr Alexander Crichton and 'Mental Restlessness' (1798). Child Psychology and Psychiatry Review (2001), 6: 66-73
R. Mayes and A. Rafalovich. Suffer the restless children: the evolution of ADHD and paediatric stimulant use, 1900-80. History of Psychiatry, December 1, 2007; 18(72 Pt 4): 435 - 457.
