Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, is a disorder in which individuals demonstrate considerable difficulty in maintaining focus and concentration and controlling hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Symptoms of this disorder must be present before the age of seven and occur in more than one setting, such as home and school. Children with this disorder may exhibit difficulties with attention, difficulties with controlling hyperactive and impulsive behavior, or a combination of both.
Types of Stimulant Medications
Stimulant medications are used to minimize the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. There are two types of stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, amphetamines and methylphenidates. There are many forms of these two medications that are commonly used. As reported by the National Institute of Mental Health, approved stimulant medications include Adderall, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate, Ritalin and Methylin.
Benefits of Longer Acting Stimulant Medications
The development of longer-acting or extended release forms of stimulant medications has been a great improvement for many individuals. These medications often need to be taken only once a day and remain effective for approximately eight hours, whereas short acting forms last only four hours. They do this by releasing a dose of the medication upon ingestion and another a few hours later, providing longer effectiveness.
One drug in particular, Concerta, has a unique delivery system, which allows the medication to be gradually released over the course of the day, providing up to 12 hours of effectiveness. Medications available in extended release or long acting forms include Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine and Focalin.
Efficacy and Side Effects
The National Resource Center on ADHD reports that between 70 and 80 percent of children taking stimulant medications for ADHD show improvement in their symptoms. Common side effects include difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, headache, stomachache and irritable mood. The presence of tics and a "rebound effect" of the drug, a period of angry/irritable mood after the drug wears off, may also occur in some children.
Types of Non-Stimulant Medication
Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a non-stimulant medication used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. It is classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, but was approved in 2002 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ADHD. This medication can alleviate symptoms for a 24-hour period with only one or two doses each day; however, it may take a few weeks to reach optimal effectiveness.
Potential side effects may include difficulty sleeping, stomachache and dizziness. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that there is a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts in children taking this medication, so it is important for its usage to be closely monitored.
Other Types of Medication
While antidepressant medications are not considered first line treatment for the symptoms of ADHD, some benefit has been found in their use in persons with the disorder. In particular, antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and tricyclic antidepressants, including Norpramine and Tofranil act on norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which can impact the experience of ADHD symptoms. The tricyclic antidepressants can minimize ADHD symptoms for a 24-hour period, but may take a few weeks to become effective.
Antihypertensive medications such as Catapres and Tenex are commonly used as blood pressure medications, but have been shown in some cases to be effective in minimizing hyperactive behavior in individuals with ADHD; however, they do not impact difficulties with inattention. They may also help individuals who have significant difficulties sleeping. Additionally, antihypertensives may help minimize anger and defiance.
