Treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also referred to as ADD or ADHD, begins with a baseline assessment. This is a complete physical and mental examination, after which, a determination is made of what drugs, if any, will be prescribed. Drugs used to treat ADHD alter the neurotransmitters in the brain. They fall under the classification of stimulants, SSRIs, antipsychotic and anticonvulsant drugs. A blood pressure drug is also sometimes used. Dr. Katie Greeley, a family chiropractor with post doctorate specialization in pediatrics, provides information in her report, "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Causes and Possible Solutions," about the pharmacology effects of these medications on children.
Stimulants
According to Dr. Greeley, Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall are three stimulants that have a paradoxical effect in that they are calming instead of stimulating, and given to children ages six and up. Ritalin and Concerta primarily contain methylphenidate; Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Side effects include irregular heart beat and rate, nervousness, dizziness, mood disorders such as euphoria and depression, tremor or shaking of the hands, headache, digestive problems such as dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, thyroid hormone irregularities and anorexia or an eating disorder characterized by loss of appetite, starvation and severe weight loss. Children who have seizures, hypertension or high blood pressure, depression, which is a generalized mood of hopelessness and disinterest in everyday activities, fatigue or persistent tiredness, mental problems, stress, agitation or may be vulnerable to drug addiction should not take stimulants.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants. They are called "selective" because they only affect the reabsorption of serotonin, effectively increasing the amount of it in the brain to more natural levels and, therefore, alleviating depression and anxiety. Dr. Greeley reports that Prozac and Paxil, two types of SSRIs prescribed to children, have the same general action and side effects on the body, although individuals may have different side effects to different medications. These side effects include nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, weight gain, nervousness, restlessness or the inability to be calm, skin rash, increased sweating, drowsiness, and insomnia or difficulty falling or staying asleep. European and American health authorities advise against prescribing SSRIs to children under 18 years due to their tendency to cause unusual changes in behavior and suicidal thoughts. If prescribed SSRIs, patients are closely supervised for clinical worsening, which is when the medicated condition regresses the patients overall health.
Antipsychotic/antispasmodic drugs
Dr. Greeley lists Risperdal, Zyprexa and Haldol as antipsychotic medications that are commonly prescribed to children with ADD who are very aggressive, have extreme anxiety, or may have some form of mental illness. The medications help control psychotic symptoms, muscle twitches or involuntary small muscle movements, and verbal outbursts. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to sun, skin rash and menstrual problems. Though originally prescribed to control seizures, anticonvulsants, such as Despakote and Tegretol, are also helpful in controlling moods.
Clonidine
Occasionally used for high blood pressure, Greeley explains that Clonodine also eases sleeping problems or insomnia in children with ADHD. It can be used with Ritalin and other stimulants if needed. Common side effects are sedation and irritability.
References
- "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Causes and Possible Solutions"; Greeley, BS, DC, Dr. Katie; 1999
- Internet DrugNews: Drugs Used to Treat ADHD
- Depression: Selective serotonin reputake inhibitors; MayoClinic
