The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that use of medication is beneficial in ADHD symptom improvement. A variety of medication options exist that, when combined with proper medical evaluation and therapeutic interventions, increases the rate of successful outcomes for managing ADHD. The common medications used for treating ADHD include stimulants; non-stimulant medications are available as well. There are pros and cons to using medications for treating ADHD.
Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine
Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous stimulant used to treat the hyperactivity and impulsivity characteristic in ADHD. The Mayo Clinic indicates that this stimulant boosts and balances the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for focus, thoughts and attention. The duration of this stimulant comes in short-acting or long-acting form. The short-acting form must be taken several times a day; as the medication wears off, the symptoms often return in an intensified form. Long-acting doses are preferred because they provide longer relief during the day and do not require continuous re-dosing.
There are side effects associated with dextroamphetamine such as sleep disturbance, irritability, moodiness and gastro-intestinal discomfort. Additional considerations when choosing this type of medication for treatment of ADHD is the impact on the development of the child, heart-related concerns and potential for abuse of the medication. The NIMH recommends that parents become aware of medication options and thoroughly discuss them with a physician.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is the only non-stimulant medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD. The Mayo Clinic reports that this medication is typically given to children with treatment-resistance to stimulant medications. Atomoxetine is different from stimulant medications because it acts on the brain chemical norepinephrine, which is responsible for the symptoms of inattention and distractibility common in ADHD. Low levels of norepinephrine may make it difficult to concentrate and process information. Although the FDA has found atomoxetine useful for treating these symptoms, they also warn against a side effect of increased suicidal thinking in youth. Close observation and regular medication monitoring are important when considering this drug for treatment of symptoms.
Additional Options
The primary medications used in treating ADHD are stimulants; however, there are other considerations as well. According to the Mayo Clinic and the NIMH, antidepressants and certain blood pressure medications are also effective in treating milder forms of ADHD. Antidepressants such as imipramine or desipramine are most effective in the presence of a mood disorder co-occuring with inattention symptoms. The blood pressure medications of clonidine and guanfacine are helpful in treating the aggressive symptoms of ADHD as well as reducing the side effects of other ADHD medications. The antidepressant and blood pressure medication options are short-term solutions for treating the symptoms and it is recommended to discuss the options with a physician to determine if these medications are worth trying.
