ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, causes symptoms such as inability to concentrate, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many adult patients experience poor work and school performance, lowered self-esteem and inability to maintain stable relationships. Much like children with ADHD, adults are often treated with stimulant drugs, non-stimulants, antidepressants or a combination of these.
Stimulants
The most common stimulants prescribed for adults with ADHD include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine. You may recognize these drugs by their brand names, including Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose that must be taken every four hours, or a longer-acting one which needs to be taken every six to 12 hours. Daytrana also offers a patch that may be worn for longer-lasting doses of medicine. Common side effects experienced while taking stimulants include loss of appetite, nausea, insomnia, headache, increased blood pressure and pulse, and involuntary muscle movements.
Atomoxetine
Drugs.com states that atomoxetine may be used to treat ADHD, though the reason for its effectiveness is unknown. It is distributed under the brand name of Strattera, and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which means that it increases the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Using atomoxetine seems to increase the attention span of the patient, but should not be used in conjunction with certain other medications or conditions, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking atomoxetine.
Antidepressants
Though they seem to take longer to cause an effect in ADHD patients, antidepressants are commonly prescribed as part of an individual's treatment. Buproprion, known by the brand name Wellbutrin, and venlafaxin, known by the brand name Effexor, may be used if a mood disorder accompanies the ADHD. Buproprion can cause headaches, nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, sweating, anxiety and constipation. Rarely, its side effects include seizures, but it tends to cause fewer sexual side effects than atomoxetine and other antidepressants. Venlafaxine side effects can include loose bowels, nausea, headache and insomnia; these usually decrease with continued used of the drug. Higher doses, however, can increase blood pressure, and this drug has been known to cause a decrease in sexual desire or ability---one side effect which is unlikely to improve with continued use.
