Medication has helped reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for thousands of children and adults--in particular hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsivity. As a parent or a patient, it is important to do your homework and learn the facts about the most common medications available for this condition, so that you are able to make an informed decision regarding treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications have been around the longest, and thus have the longest track record backed up by research in treating ADHD. Not surprisingly, they are considered a first-line treatment and are therefore the most common type of medication prescribed for this disorder. Stimulant medications for ADHD include methylphenidate (brand names are Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana), dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (brand name Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (brand name Dexedrine). Although scientists are not sure exactly how stimulants work, the Mayo Clinic website states they are believed to increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain and thus impact behavior with regards to motivation, pleasure, attention and movement. Stimulants have been shown to dramatically improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms for many. On the down side, as soon as the medication wears off, the symptoms reappear, and finding the right dose can be challenging. Stimulants come in both short dosages that must be taken two to three times a day, or extended-release dosages that are usually taken once a day and last anywhere from eight to 12 hours. Common side effects include difficulty eating and sleeping, headaches and stomach aches, and although rare, more serious side effects can occur. ADHD medications should not be prescribed for those with a history of drug abuse, a heart disease or defect, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma or high levels of anxiety.
Straterra
Atomoxetine, better known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA for ADHD. Strattera boosts the levels of another neurotransmitter in the brain known as norepinephrine. Strattera is considered to be less effective than stimulants in treating hyperactivity, although it is better than stimulants in reducing anxiety. While it is usually only prescribed to children who did not respond well to stimulants, it is often a first-line medication for those that exhibit tics or who have Tourette's syndrome, since Straterra does not exacerbate the tics, unlike stimulants. Given once a day, Straterra lasts for 24 hours, which means that ADHD behaviors to not reappear over the course of the day. Side effects can include nausea, sedation, reduced appetite and weight loss, although Straterra has been linked to rare side effects that include liver problems. According to Strattera's warning label, the medication may cause an increase in suicidal thoughts in some children and teenagers, which is of particular concern if a child has depression or has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in addition to ADHD.
Blood Pressure Medications
Blood pressure medications like clonidine (brand name Catapres) and guanfacine (brand name Tenex) are also used to treat ADHD symptoms. They are also considered a second line treatment when stimulants do not do the job; they are not as effective as stimulants or Straterra at treating attention-related symptoms. According to helpguide.org, blood pressure medications can reduce ADHD-related aggression, as well as tics or insomnia exacerbated by other ADHD medications.
Wellbutrin
Also known under the generic name bupropion, Wellbutrin is the most common antidepressant used to treat people diagnosed with ADHD and depression. Wellbutrin works, according to helpguide.org, by targeting both norepinephrine and dopamine. Wellbutrin is usually considered only after stimulants and Straterra have failed or if a mood disorder has been diagnosed in addition to ADHD.
