ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that causes inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children. The symptoms of ADHD can impair the child's performance in school and his ability to interact with other people. Medication is one aspect of the treatment program for ADHD; the different classes of medication include stimulants, nonstimulants, antidepressants and high blood pressure drugs.
Stimulants
According to the article "ADD/ADHD Medications: Are ADHD Drugs Right for You or Your Child?" on the HelpGuide website, stimulants are the most commonly prescribed class of medication for ADHD. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. Examples of stimulants are methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine-amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Stimulants are available in short-acting doses that last four hours, and long-acting doses that last between six and 12 hours. The Mayo Clinic notes that methylphenidate is available as a patch, which the patient wears for six to 12 hours on his hip.
One of the downsides of stimulants are the number of side effects. The most common side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic, are a decreased appetite, weight loss and sleeping difficulties; patients may also become irritable when the medication begins to wear off.
Nonstimulants
Another class of medication is nonstimulants, with atomoxetine as the only Food and Drug Administration-approved nonstimulant for ADHD, acccording to HelpGuide. Unlike stimulants, nonstimulants increase the levels of norepinephrine in the body and last for over 24 hours. Nonstimulants are given to a patient when they do not respond to stimulants, or if the side effects of stimulants are impacting the patient's life. However, nonstimulants also have side effects, such as agitation, sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.
Other Options
If the patient does not respond to either stimulants or nonstimulants, other options include antidepressants and high blood pressure drugs. Antidepressants, like bupropion, is prescribed if the patient also has a mood disorder, like depression or anxiety. High blood pressure medications, like clonidine and guanfacine, can help with aggression symptoms.
