ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neurobehavioral disorder that develops in childhood and, if left untreated, often persists into adulthood. ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that two to three percent of children have ADHD. A combination of medications and psychotherapy can help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve overall functioning.
Medications
Methylphenidate, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. Stimulants are available in short-acting, intermediate-acting or extended-release formulas. Stimulants provide slow and steady increases of dopamine in the brain and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of people who are prescribed them.
Stimulant medications are usually the first choice of medication for a person with ADHD, but not everyone can handle the side effects of this class of education. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that increases norepinephrine. Amoxetine rarely causes agitation or insomnia and it's effects last longer than stimulant medications.
Some individuals with ADHD do not responded to stimulants or atomoxetine. An antidepressant can be used to help with hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Antidepressants are also effective in ADHD individuals who have co-morbid mood and anxiety disorders. Tricyclics antidepressants and bupropion are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for ADHD.
Common Side Effects
The most commons side of effects of stimulant medication for ADHD are nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea and insomnia. ADHD stimulant medications should always be given with food to minimize the chance of developing certain side effects. Medication should also be given early in the day to minimize insomnia and sleep disturbances.
Amoxetine's common side effects include nausea, dizziness, decreased appetite, fatigue and mood swings. Amoxetine can also cause sexual dysfunction.
Tricyclic antidepressants can cause more side effects than stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications. Drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, urinary retention, confusion, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, nausea and weakness are all side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants.
Warnings/Precautions
Stimulant medications should not be prescribed to individuals with a history of substance abuse. Stimulants should never be combined with alcohol. In individuals without a history of substance abuse, stimulant medications are unlikely to cause addiction or lead to the abuse of other drugs.
Atomoxetine may cause suicidal thinking in some children and young adults. A child taking amoxetine should be carefully monitored for worsening of ADHD symptoms, unusual changes in behavior or depression.
Before combining ADHD medications with other medications or over-the-counter medications, it is important to consult with your doctor about possible interactions.
