Medication is considered the primary form of treatment for children with ADHD. More than half of children diagnosed with ADHD take medication to treat their symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD; however, other drug types, including anti-depressants and non-stimulants, may be used.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are the medication most commonly used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. The two types, amphetamines and methylphenidates, act on the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Common side effects of stimulant medications include reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping and nausea. Other possible side effects include the emergence of tics and “stimulant rebound,” which is irritability after the medication wears off. Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that these medications may, in rare cases, lead to heart problems and psychiatric problems.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines prescribed for children with ADHD include Adderall, Dexedrine and Dextrostat. The extended release form of Adderall provides the longest symptom alleviation, lasting for a 10-hour period. The extended release form of Dextrostat provides symptom relief for around eight hours.
Methylphenidates
Types of methylphenidates prescribed for ADHD include Ritalin, Methylin, Concerta, Focalin and Metadate. Short acting Ritalin and Methylin typically relieve symptoms for four hours. Extended release medications such as Concerta may remain effective for as long as 10 to 12 hours. The extended release forms of both Ritalin and Metadate usually last around eight hours.
Non-Stimulants
Strattera, a non-stimulant medication, was approved in 2002 to treat symptoms of ADHD. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which acts on levels of norepinephrine in the brain. It is thought to provide symptom relief for a full 24 hours when taken once or twice a day. However, unlike stimulants, it is not quick acting, and may take a few weeks to reach therapeutic levels in the body. An additional risk posed by this medication is an increase in suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents who take the drug. The FDA issued a warning about this, and suggests that children be carefully monitored, particularly when changing their doses or early in treatment.
Anti-Depressants
While anti-depressants are not approved to treat ADHD, they are sometimes used to provide symptom alleviation. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Norpramin and Tofranil, also act on norepinephrine in the brain, and can provide 24-hour coverage and may help with the mood symptoms that come with ADHD. Atypical antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, can last up to eight hours and improve symptoms of ADHD and depression in some individuals.
References
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Mental Health in the United States: Prevalence of Diagnosis and Medication Treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder---United States, 2003
- “Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology”; Robert Weis; 2008
- National Resource Center on ADHD: Managing Medication for Children and Adolescents with ADHD
- National Institute of Mental Health: ADHD Medications
