Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is also referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. It is a disorder of certain mechanisms of the central nervous system, which affects a person's ability to concentrate and focus. Children under the age of 12 with ADHD lack the ability to perform executive functions such as concentrating and focusing. According to Northern County Psychiatric Associates, central nervous stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Dexedrine and Adderall XR increase the release of, or block the reuptake of, dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. This strengthens the chemical signal between neurons that use dopamine and norepinephrine to transmit messages, and effectively reduces inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
Ritalin
According to EnotAlone.com, ADHD is believed to be caused by an imbalance in dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Scientist believe that low levels of norepinephrine contribute to the lack of focus and distractibility associated with ADHD in children, while low levels of dopamine is associated with the lack of impulse control. Ritalin, a stimulant medication is prescribed for the treatment of ADHD in children because it amplifies the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. This increase in the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine allows the individual to plan ahead, focus, and control impulsive behavior.
Adderall XR
Similar to Ritalin, Adderall XR is a central nervous system stimulant; however, unlike Ritalin, Adderall XR is a mixture of four different amphetamine salts: dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate, notes Drugs.com. Adderall XR blocks the presynaptic reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, and thus increases the release of these neurotransmitters into extra neuronal synapses. This strengthens the chemical signal between neurons that use dopamine and norepinephrine to transmit messages, and effectively reduces inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in children with ADHD. Furthermore, according to Drugs.com, a double blind randomized study with 524 children diagnosed with ADHD, and in the age group of 6 to 12, were treated with Adderall XR once daily for three weeks. At the end of the three week period, the patients had significant improvement in their ability to focus, impulse control and hyperactivity as compared to patients who received placebo.
Dexedrine
Dexedrine is another stimulant medication used for the treatment of ADHD in children three years of age or older. Dexedrine is often prescribed for children who do not respond well to Ritalin. Similar to Ritalin and Adderall XR, Dexedrine amplifies the release of dopamine, thus improving attention and an individual's ability to focus.
