Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a common problem most often diagnosed in childhood, continues on throughout adolescence and adulthood, the National Institute of Mental Health reports. Symptoms of this disorder include an inability to sit still and pay attention as well as difficulty in focusing on what people say to the ADHD sufferer. A doctor may recommend specific treatments that include counseling for the child and family as well as medications to treat this disorder.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications such as the combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine works to focus the attention and decrease the restlessness of the ADHD sufferer. Other such stimulants for ADHD include cefuroxime and methylphenidate. Doctors typically prescribe such stimulants in the treatment of behavioral symptoms of the disorder in children at least 3 years old and older, although some forms of these drugs only have U.S. Food & Drug Administration approval for use in older children, between 6 and 12. MayoClinic.com states that medical researchers do not know why these types of medicines produce ADHD symptom relief. The organization reports the most common but nonserious side effects of such drugs include weight loss, irritability, appetite reductions and insomnia.
Non-Stimulant Medication
Doctors may prescribe atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication, for use in controlling ADHD and anxiety in school-age children. This selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor can work as an alternative to stimulants for this disorder. This medication may induce such non-serious common side effects as constipation, a lowered libido, pain during urination and insomnia, among many others, but these usually end on their own without help from a doctor.
Antihypertensives
While specifically designed to help treat high blood pressure, some antihypertensive medications may find uses helping people with ADHD, MayoClinic.com reports. Such medicines as clonidine and guanfacine work upon the impulses of nerves in the person's brain to alter them. This causes a relaxation of blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. These same effects can help the ADHD suffer gain better focus of attention and to become less restless. These medications have a relaxation effect along with lowering blood pressure. They also aid in sleeping difficulties and the reduction of facial tics, which may occur because of ADHD stimulant-type medications for this disorder. Serious common side effects of these antihypertensives may include vision blurring, mental confusion, dizziness and bodily weakness. These medications are used in children of school age.
Antidepressant Medications
If an ADHD sufferer does not respond to more traditional treatments, the doctor may prescribe antidepressants such as the tricyclic imipramine or the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. As reported by ADHD website Treatmentadhd.com, these antidepressants may help the person without causing other problems such as Tourette syndrome. Most antidepressants come with a warning that they can cause suicidal thoughts in children, the National Institute of Mental Health indicates.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children
- National Institute of Mental Health: What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
- ADHD Treatment: ADHD Medications: AntiDepressants
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Approves Methylphenidate Patch to Treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
- National Institute of Mental Health: Antidepressant Medications for Children and Adolescents: Information for Parents and Caregivers
