Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, has a long history of effective treatments with ADHD medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, reasons for the effectiveness of ADHD medications are not fully understood, but their effectiveness has been well established over time. ADHD medications are generally prescribed and monitored by family physicians or psychiatrists.
Basics
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), the use of stimulant medications to treat ADHD has been researched by scientists for the last 60 years. The used of medication can be beneficial for people of all age groups suffering from ADHD.
Considerations
Medications are an effective way to reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as poor concentration, impulsiveness, planning and completing tasks or assignments, according to HelpGuide.org. Although medications can be highly effective it is not generally recommended that they be used as the only form of treatment. ADHD medications have unwanted side effects, potentially addictive qualities and can be an added expense to families on a tight budget, which may make them an unwanted life-long treatment for some people. It is critical to involve other treatment options, such as social skills training and psychotherapy, to learn ways to reduce the impact of ADHD.
Types
The most common first option used to treat ADHD are stimulant medications; these include Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine. According to HelpGuide.org, stimulant medications increase dopamine levels in the brain and are able to increase a person's ability to concentrate and help her focus by reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. The side effects of stimulate medications can include insomnia, headaches, poor appetite, irritability, racing heart, tics, nausea and restlessness.
Non-stimulant medications are often prescribed after stimulant medications have not proven their effectiveness or if the person is unable to take stimulant medications due to health risks. HelpGuide.org reports that non-stimulant medications focus on increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and have the ability to treat symptoms of depression along with ADHD. Potential side effects of non-stimulant medications include fatigue, headache, stomach ache, nausea, irritability and dizziness.
Significance
The effectiveness of ADHD medications is dependent on the individual, according to the AACAP. For some, the medication might drastically reduce or relieve the ADHD symptoms entirely, while for others medication may only slightly reduce the symptoms.
When taking medications to treat ADHD it is important to discuss the effectiveness and side effects with a doctor. Having regular discussions with a doctor will allow for the correct dosage and medication to be administered. Each medication has a recommended dosage level, but these levels might have to be adjusted dramatically to reach therapeutic levels in some people.
Warning
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is important to be aware of the possible increased risk of suicide in children and adolescents who take the drug Strattera for their ADHD; this drug has not been linked to actual suicides, but may stimulate suicidal thinking. This risk should not keep children and adolescents from taking Strattera to treat their ADHD, instead caregivers will need to be more attentive to the heightened risk and pay attention to potential signs. If suicide is suspected, caregivers must contact the doctor or therapist immediately.
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