ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common illness affecting children, according to the American Academy of of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Its main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness, all of which can be treated with medication. A variety of medications are available for this purpose. Before choosing the right medication for your child, it is important to educate yourself about some of the most commonly prescribed.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, according to HelpGuide, and include the brand name drugs Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin. While Ritalin and Concerta share similar generic names, methylphenidate and methylphenidate extended-release respectively, Adderall is a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Focalin is known generically as dexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate extended-release. The generic names are the names of the stimulants found in the drugs.
The reason for their popularity lies within their efficacy; not only are they capable of increasing a child's ability to concentrate and focus, they also decrease a child's tendency to be hyperactive and impulsive.
Most of these drugs are available in either a short- or long-acting dose. The short-acting dose remains effective in the child's system for only a few hours, resulting in the need to take two or three doses a day. The long-acting doses remain effective for a period of eight to 12 hours, meaning only one dose a day is required, thus making it more convenient for both parent and child.
While beneficial in many ways, stimulants also present many reasons for concern, as they cause multiple adverse health effects. The most common include irritability, mood swings as the medication wears off, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia. These side effects may not be seen in every child, and the severity may also vary per child. Perhaps the greatest concern with these drugs lies within the personality changes they may cause. Some children become listless and withdrawn, losing the best aspect of their personalities. In some children, psychiatric problems are also a concern, as stimulant drugs may spark hostility, anger, aggression and depression.
Non-Stimulant
Strattera is the only non-stimulant drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. Strattera is known also by its generic name, atomoxetine. This drug varies slightly from stimulants in that it boosts a different chemical in the brain. Rather than affecting dopamine, which is responsible for motivation, pleasure and attention, norepinephrine concentrates more on feelings of happiness and attention. Therefore it is not as effective when it comes to treating hyperactivity.
This medication also varies in the time it takes to begin working. While stimulants begin working almost immediately and leave the system the same day, Strattera must buildup in the system to reach maximum efficacy--usually between four and six weeks. It does last more than 24 hours though, making it a good choice for children who have difficulty getting up and around in the mornings.
The side effects of this medication are not as harsh as those found in stimulants and typically begin to subside once the child's body becomes acclimated to it. They include headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, nausea and agitation. While insomnia and appetite suppression may also occur, these are side effects more commonly seen in stimulants.
Antidepressants and High Blood Pressure Medication
Both antidepressants such as bupropion, and high blood pressure medications such as clonidine, are sometimes prescribed "off-label." This means they are effective in this treatment, but are not approved by the FDA for this specific purpose. HelpGuide states that both of these types of medications are generally considered only when stimulants or non-stimulants are no longer options.
Antidepressants are prescribed when a child may be suffering from depression along with the symptoms of ADHD. It increases both dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Blood pressure medications are found to be effective for children who are diagnosed with tics or Tourette's Syndrome in conjunction with ADHD, and are most effective relieving the symptoms of hyperactivity, aggression and impulsivity. However they are not as effective for children suffering from inattention.
