Medication and therapy are the two most common treatments for children, teens and adults with ADHD. You should discuss the pros and cons of any medication that you're considering with your doctor. Everyone handles individual medications differently and may be more or less affected by negative side effects than other people. It might take several tries before you find the right match.
Stimulant Medications
According to HELPGUIDE.org, stimulants are the most common type of medication to treat ADHD. Stimulants include Ritalin, Adderall, Daytrana, Concerta and Dexedrine. Common side effects of stimulants include feeling restless, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, headaches, and irritability when the medication wears off. Some people report an upset stomach, depression, dizziness and tics when using stimulants. The Mayo Clinic reports that some children's growth rate was affected by stimulants, but it wasn't permanent.
There have been instances where children and adults have suddenly died due to taking stimulants and having existing heart problems. This is a rare occurrence; however, it's recommended that anyone beginning a stimulant get a cardiac evaluation beforehand. Sometimes mental health issues such as depression and bipolar disorder are worsened by taking stimulants. If you have a history or family history of mood disorders, this might not be a good fit. Not all long-term side effects are known, such as how stimulants affect a child's developing brain over time.
Due to stimulants' fast acting ability and weight loss properties, it's commonly abused among teenagers and young adults. Some use it to study for long periods of time or as a diet pill. If your child or teen is taking a stimulant, you should monitor his intake and make sure that he isn't selling it or giving it to others.
Nonstimulant Medications
Strattera is the only approved nonstimulant by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. It boosts the levels of norepinephrine in the brain which helps in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. According to HELPGUIDE.org, the most common side effects include irritability, dizziness, upset stomach and stomach pain, headaches and drowsiness. There has been no link between suicide and Straterra among teenagers, but there is concern that this medication could increase suicidal thoughts. Teenagers should be monitored for an increase in mood issues and suicidal ideation while taking nonstimulant medications.
Other Medications
Two other types of medication are used to treat ADHD: antidepressants and high blood pressure medication; however, they aren't approved by the FDA to treat the disorder. Doctors prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin when someone also suffers from a mood disorder such as depression. Each antidepressant has its own side effects. High blood pressure medication such as Catapres and Tenex are used when stimulant and nonstimulant medications aren't an option or cause negative side effects. Some side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia and upset stomach.
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