Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD, affects children and adults alike. ADHD isn't a short-term disorder--it persists from childhood into adulthood, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, so someone with ADHD can expect to take medicine for many years. Many different options exist for ADHD medications. Although some of these drugs are quite similar, some medications work better than others for certain people, for a variety of reasons.
Types
The most common medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants, reports the Mayo Clinic. Within the stimulant type of ADHD medicine, there is a large set of options for individual drugs as well as dosage strengths. However, certain other medications, such as antidepressants and even high blood pressure medicines, are viable options that a prescribing physician may consider when treating ADHD in children and adults.
Function
Stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate function to treat ADHD symptoms by stimulating the release of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. NIMH reports that stimulant medicines actually calm someone with ADHD and can help to improve focus. The non-stimulant selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine, according to PubMed Health, functions in a similar manner to stimulants, but in reverse--it inhibits receptors in the brain from absorbing norepinephrine, allowing more of the neurotransmitter to remain present. Antidepressants are options for people with mood disorders as well as ADHD, while high blood pressure drugs such as clonidine can relax nervous tics and reduce aggression and excitability in people with ADHD.
Time Frame
One important aspect to consider when considering options for treatment with ADHD medicine is the amount of time they take to start working, as well as the duration of their effects. Stimulants work very quickly, states ADHD News, and can produce therapeutic effects with the first dose. Extended-release formulations can increase their three- to eight-hour duration of action. Clonidine also works quickly to relieve insomnia, nervous tics and agression. Atomoxetine and antidepressants, however, may take several weeks to begin working as the brain builds up an accumulation of the chemicals.
Considerations
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is due to their effectiveness and rapid onset of action. However, drugs such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine have a high potential for abuse, and since they are a Schedule II controlled substance under federal law, cannot be refilled without a new prescription each month. Atomoxetine, antidepressants and clonidine are usually prescribed when a patient has trouble with stimulant medicine side effects, and can be effective. However, atomoxetine comes with a special warning indicating that it may cause suicidal thoughts in teenagers, and the effectiveness of antidepressants and high blood pressure medicines has not yet been established to the level of that of stimulant medications.
Expert Insight
Opening a dialogue with a prescribing physician is the best way to explore options for personalized treatment with ADHD medicine. Doctors will examine family history and individual medical history to determine which is the right drug for each individual. Often, it takes several tries to find the correct medication for a person with ADHD, since every patient responds differently to different medicines. A physician can use her expertise to safely and efficiently find the right ADHD medicine option to help someone living with ADHD.
