According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, there are three types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive. When a patient's symptoms fall under the predominantly inattentive type of ADHD, he may be easily distracted, forgetful, unable to focus on everyday tasks at work or school and have difficulty paying attention to what others have to say. Medications designed to treat ADHD as a whole target these inattentive symptoms and vary in types and method of administration.
Amphetamines
Stimulant medications are the most commonly used drugs in treating ADHD, reports the National Institute of Mental health--and those of the amphetamine family are among the most widely prescribed to treat inattentive symptoms. Available in brand name and generic forms, mixed amphetamine-dextroamphetamine salts, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine by itself, Dexedrine, are both Food and Drug Administration-approved instant-release stimulant medications that can help improve attention and focus in a person with predominantly inattentive ADHD. Controlled-release medicines are also available, which are designed to manage symptoms for longer periods of time than their instant-release counterparts--from eight to 12 hours, depending on the individual. These include time-release capsules containing dextroamphetamine as well as lisdexamfetamine, Vyvanse, and mixed amphetamine-dextroamphetamine.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is another central nervous system stimulant that is prescribed for inattentive ADHD and may work better for certain people than amphetamine-class medications. Immediate-release methylphenidate, Ritalin and Methylin, comes in tablets that can manage symptoms for three to five hours. Methylphenidate is also available in concentrated controlled-release capsules, Concerta, as well as in a transdermal patch, Daytrana, that allows the medicine to absorb through the skin.
Other Stimulants
Treating inattentive ADHD is often a trial-and-error process by a prescribing physician, as she determines which drug works best to manage an individual's symptoms. Other stimulant medications at a doctor's disposal include desmethylphenidate, Focalin, and methamphetamine, Desoxyn--both tablets indicated for oral administration. These particular medications are generally prescribed when less-potent forms of methylphenidate and amphetamines have failed to control a patient's symptoms. Stimulant medications in general, while effective at treating inattentive ADHD, can cause side effects including sleeplessness, appetite suppression and dry mouth.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, Strattera, can also work to treat the inattentive side of ADHD, reports the Mayo Clinic. Unlike stimulant ADHD medications, atomoxetine is classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. A physician will typically titrate, or gradually raise a person's dose of atomoxetine from 40 m for the first three days of use up to a maximum of 80 m to 100 m per day. While atomoxetine does not share the same side-effect profile as stimulant ADHD medications, it does have the potential to produce its own, including drowsiness, nausea and dry mouth.
Considerations
The best way to determine which medication will best treat inattentive ADHD symptoms in a patient is to keep an open dialogue with the prescribing physician. A doctor may try various doses and types of medications until an optimum, personalized inattentive ADHD medication treatment is achieved, tailored to the individual.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder--Medications
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: DailyMed--Methylphenidate Hydrochloride
- National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus: Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine
- Mayo Clinic: Atomoxetine (Oral Route)
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
