Previously believed to be a disorder that affected children, attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity, or ADD/ADHD, also affects adults. Symptoms can include impulsivity, inattentiveness and agitation. Adults with ADD/ADHD may have difficulties attaining and retaining work, participating in romantic and social relationships, and performing daily tasks. Medication can help adults with ADD/ADHD manage their symptoms.
Treatment with Stimulants
Stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin have the longest track record for treating this disorder. They are believed to work by increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is generally associated with regulating memory, mood and reward-seeking behaviors. For many people with ADD/ADHD, stimulant medications improve attention and concentration while managing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
Stimulant Varieties
Stimulants come in both short-acting and time-release formulas. According to a 1999 study by State University of New York at Buffalo, short-acting stimulant effects tend to begin to dip after about four hours and therefore must be taken two or three times daily. Time-release formulas last around 12 hours and are typically taken just once a day. Adults with ADD/ADHD often prefer the time-release formulations because they are less likely to forget to take a dose.
Stimulant Precautions
Before considering stimulant therapy, discuss possible side effects with your medical provider. Stimulants for ADD/ADHD may increase anxiety, depression and hostility. Adults with personal or familial histories of suicide attempts, anxiety, depression or addiction should be medically supervised while on these medications. Other less severe side effects include cold feet and hands, insomnia, digestive issues and headaches.
Persons taking stimulant medications may test positive for methamphetamine if drug tested. Methamphetamine use should be revealed to an employer and to clinicians performing drug tests for employment. Stimulants are classified as schedule two drugs, which means that pharmacies require patients to show identification with a physical street address. The patient also must have an original paper prescription from the doctor every month and cannot refill by mail. The patient also cannot telephone in the prescription.
Anti-depressant Usage
While stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADD/ADHD, non-stimulant medications are available for the treatment of the condition. A 2000 study from the Family Medicine of St. Louis Residency Program in Missouri suggests that antidepressants may work in the treatment of ADD/ADHD by increasing vigilance and prolonged attention and reducing impulsive behaviors. Subsequently, the restless and inattentive behaviors may be reduced with antidepressant usage. Wellbutrin, a popular anti-depressant, has shown promise, as has Strattera, a medication originally researched as an anti-depressant.
New Treatment
Provigil, a medication originally designed to address sleep disorders, is also showing potential as an ADHD/ADD treatment. While there are no firm conclusions, a 2002 study from the University of Pennsylvania Center for Cognitive Neuroscience theorized that Provigil is effective because it restores a sense of wakefulness that persons with ADHD/ADD may be lacking. As of May 2010, Provigil is generally not covered by health insurance, and prescriptions can exceed $200 monthly.
