1. Evaluate Drug Functions
There are a few different drug classes to choose from when treating attention deficit symptoms. Psychostimulants are the most frequently prescribed attention deficit drugs. They are used to boost concentration, control inattention and improve focus. Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta and Daytrana are common stimulants, and while they all generally do the same thing, you may need to try more than one to achieve an optimal therapeutic affect.
If your ADD causes mood swings, depression or you find stimulants to be ineffective, your health practitioner may prescribe an antidepressant like bupropion. Sold as Wellbutrin, the drug is believed to act on the dopamine and epinephrine neurotransmitters to improve mood and fatigue symptoms.
Some ADD patients react well to atomoxetine (Strattera), a non-stimulant drug approved to treat ADD and ADHD. While designed to create the same effect as psychostimulants, atomoxetine often works better for people who cannot manage stimulant side effects. Because it does not have the potential for abuse, atomoxetine is also used for people who might be tempted to take stimulants for a chemically-induced high rather than the therapeutic effect.
2. Consider Side Effects and Safety Concerns
All medications have side effects, and psychostimulants and antidepressants are no exception. The most common side effects of stimulants include decreased appetite, insomnia, jitteriness, irritability and headaches, but you might find that these subside as you adjust to the medication. Atomoxetine can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, fatigue and mood swings, which may or may not diminish over time. If you take bupropion, you might notice agitation, weight loss, constipation and dizziness, among other symptoms. Discuss these side effects with your doctor, as they can be made more manageable with dosage adjustments.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, children and adults with existing heart conditions or psychiatric disorders are at risk for an adverse reaction to ADD stimulant drugs. Consumers are warned that these drugs can cause strokes, heart attacks and even sudden death in heart patients, and that they may exacerbate hostility, manic-depressive episodes, paranoia and psychotic symptoms in people with a history of psychiatric disease. The FDA also notes that people with a clean bill of mental health may also react adversely to these stimulants, becoming angry, depressed or hallucinogenic without warning. When you're comparing medications for ADD or ADHD, discuss these safety concerns thoroughly with a medical expert--especially if you have a family history of heart disease or mental illness.
3. Choose Between Extended-Release and Short-Acting Doses
The obvious advantage of extended-release medications is that you only have to remember to take your medication once a day. These long-lasting drugs are also less likely to produce a rebound effect as they wear off, since they tend to remain in the system in low doses. Long-acting agents may also be prescribed for those with addictive or abusive tendencies because they enter the bloodstream at low levels and don't produce an immediate stimulant surge.
Some people with ADD swear by shorter-acting substances, claiming that they offer more efficient relief as patients report that effects of extended-relief drugs wear off before it is time for the next dose. Discuss your options with your physician, since some medications are not available in both short- and long-acting dosages. Remember to be patient, since finding the optimal medication and dosage often takes weeks, or even months, of trial and error.
