Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, is commonly diagnosed in childhood. Individuals with this disorder often have difficulty controlling their behavior, tend to be hyperactive and impulsive, and struggle to maintain focus and attention on given tasks. Medication treatment for ADHD usually begins with stimulants, but the additional use of antihypertensives may help provide greater symptom relief in some individuals.
Catapres
Catapres, also known as Clonidine, is an antihypertensive medication that is occasionally used to treat ADHD symptoms. According to the National Resource Center on ADHD, this medication may alleviate symptoms of hyperactivity, but has not been found to help with symptoms of inattention. It has also shown some success in minimizing tics, insomnia, defiant behavior, and anger in children and adolescents. Side effects such as exhaustion, dizziness and irritability may occur. This medication is available in pill form as well as in a patch that can last up to 6 days.
Tenex and Intuniv
The medication Tenex, also known as Guanfacine, comes in a tablet form that is effective for between 6 and 8 hours. Similarly to Catapres, Tenex can minimize hyperactive behavior but is not effective in minimizing difficulties with attention. It is also helpful in reducing tics, anger, insomnia and defiant behavior. Side effects may include exhaustion, dizzy spells and irritable behavior, among others. Intuniv is the extended release form of Tenex. This medication lasts between 12 and 24 hours, and has the same effects on ADHD as Tenex.
Combination Treatment
Antihypertensives may be combined with stimulant medication as an additional treatment for those children with additional difficulties controlling anger and aggression, or those who have vocal or motor tics. Antihypertensives have also been shown to help some children who have difficulty sleeping as a result of taking stimulant medications, notes the Network of Care for Behavioral Health.
