ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is typically diagnosed in childhood and may last throughout the teenage years and even into adulthood, although in some individuals, the diagnosis doesn't come until adolescence. Teenagers with ADHD may find it difficult to handle schoolwork, relationships and family life. Like children, adolescents may receive a combination of therapy and medication to treat the disorder.
Stimulant Medications
Many teens who have ADHD are treated using stimulant drugs. One common type is dextroamphetamine, sold under the brand names Dexedrine and Dextrostat. A combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, branded as Adderall, is also available in extended release form as Adderall XR. Methylphenidate, which is marketed under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta is another option for adolescent ADHD patients. These medications all come in pill form. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, the patch version of methylphenidate, marketed as Daytrana, gained approval for use in adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 in July, 2010. Previously, it had only been approved in children. Stimulants may cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability, decreased appetite and trouble sleeping. In some teens, they may cause heart problems, according to the Mayo Clinic, and teens should be evaluated by a physician for any underlying heart problems before taking these drugs.
Strattera
Atomoxetine, sold as Strattera, is a nonstimulant drug available for adolescents who don't respond to stimulant medications, or who cannot take them due to excessive side effects, a heart condition, or other underlying disorders. Nausea, weight loss and decreased appetite may be side effects of atomoxetine. Adolescents taking it may also become sedated or develop jaundice. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some teens taking Strattera may develop suicidal thoughts. They should be seen frequently by a doctor in the early months of taking the drug and should be monitored by family members and others close to them in order to guard against the possibility of suicide.
Antidepressants
According to the Cleveland Clinic, antidepressants may be used to treat teens who don't respond to stimulants or Strattera. Tricyclic antidepressants are often used for treating ADHD and include the brands Aventyl, Tofranil, Pamelor, Norpramin, and Pertofrane. Other antidepressants that can be used in teens are Wellbutrin and Effexor. Teens with depression or other psychiatric disorders may have an increase in suicidal thoughts when placed on antidepressants, so this should be discussed with a doctor before using these drugs for ADHD. Antidepressants are prescribed in pill form.
Blood Pressure Medications
The blood pressure medications clonidine, sold as Catapres, and guanfacine, sold under the brand name Tenex, can also be used to treat ADHD in adolescents. These may also be used simultaneously along with stimulant ADHD medication. Blood pressure medications for ADHD are available in pill form or as a patch that gradually releases the medication.
