Medication can reduce the symptoms of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADD/ADHD, which can include impulsivity, inattentiveness and agitation. Such medications do come with side effects and the hassles involved with highly controlled substances and are not the only methods available to address ADD/ADHD. Whether you're the parent of a child with ADD/ADHD or have ADD/ADHD yourself, it helps to learn about the medications available.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed and researched medication type for ADD/ADHD. They have the longest track record for treating this disorder, with the Food and Drug Administration approving methylphenidate (Ritalin), an amphetamine, in 1955. The stimulant class includes established medications including Adderall and Ritalin. Stimulants come on both short-acting and time-release formulas. Short-acting stimulants' effects tend to begin to subside after about four hours and therefore must be taken two or three times daily. Time-release formulas last up to 12 hours and are typically taken just once a day. The latter is popular with parents of children with ADD/ADHD, as the medication can be administered from home without school or peer involvement. Adults with ADD/ADHD often prefer the time-release formulations because they are less likely to forget to take a dose.
Stimulants are believed to work by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine neurons are generally associated with regulating memory, mood and reward-seeking behaviors. For many people with ADD/ADHD, stimulant medications improve attentiveness and focus while managing hyperactive and hasty behaviors.
Stimulants for ADD/ADHD can elicit or worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression and hostility. Patients with personal or familial histories of suicide attempts, anxiety, depression or drug abuse should be carefully monitored while on these medications. Other side effects include cold feet and hands, insomnia, digestive issues and headaches.
Stimulants are classified as Schedule Two drugs, which means that patients must show identification with a physical street address, must have original paper prescriptions from the doctor every month and cannot refill by mail. Many ADD/ADHD patients, who already have problems with organization and task fulfillment, find these obstacles daunting.
Nonstimulant Medications
While stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADD/ADHD, patients have been increasingly using nonstimulant medications for the treatment of the condition. Wellbutrin, a popular antidepressant, has shown promise in the treatment of ADD/ADHD. Side effects for this medication may include insomnia, paranoia and anxiety.
A study published in Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology in 2000 suggests that Provigil, a medication originally designed to address sleep disorders, may be an effective medication for ADD/ADHD. Unfortunately, most insurance companies will not cover this drug for anything other than sleep disorders, and monthly costs may exceed $200 monthly. As the drug becomes recognized for its ADD/ADHD benefits, there is the possibility that insurance companies will begin to cover it.
Strattera has become one of the most popular nonstimulant prescriptions for addressing ADD/ADHD. Originally tested as an antidepressant, the medication has been more successful in treating the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. While Strattera is free of stimulants, it is not necessarily free of some similar side effects, among them insomnia and nighttime restless legs.
Persistence, Patience
As with most medications designed to treat mental conditions, persistence, patience and communication with your health care provider are key. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any adverse side effects or before you consider discontinuing your medication.
