What Are Some Types of ADD Medication?

ADD, short for attention deficit disorder, is a behavioral condition characterized by inattentive, unfocused and/or impulsive behavior. Prescribed medications can help reduce problematic ADD symptoms, allowing sufferers to pay attention and control impulses. While a majority of ADD patients are prescribed a kind of stimulant, some individuals receive better results with nonstimulant, antidepressant or high blood pressure medications. ADD medications offer patients numerous benefits, but they have potential side effects as well.

Stimulants

• Stimulant drugs containing methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed type of ADD medication. Methylphenidate is a chemical that increases the levels of dopamine and neropinephrine, which are neurotransmitters in the brain that affect attention and motivation. Some of the most common brands of methylphenidate medications are Concerta, Ritalin and Daytrana. While Concerta and Ritalin are offered in pill form, Daytrana is the only ADD medication that comes in a skin patch. These stimulant medications help to improve focus, inhibit distraction and curb the impulsiveness of ADD individuals. Common stimulant side effects include insomnia, decreased appetite, irritability, mood swings, headaches and dizziness.

Amphetamines

• Amphetamines are another type of ADD medication. Amphetamines also increase the levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that affects cognitive functions like focusing. Adderall and Adderall XR, which contain four different types amphetamine salts, are the most frequently prescribed amphetamine medications. Dextroamphetamine, one of the amphetamine salts in Adderall, is also offered as a single agent with short-term effects. Desoxyn, a sustained-release form of methamphetamine, is also available but rarely used due to the high abuse potential. Side effects of amphetamine medications include gastrointestinal problems, restlessness, racing heartbeat, irritability and anxiety.

Nonstimulants

• Strattera, which has the generic name atomoxetine, is the only nonstimulant prescription medication to be approved by the FDA. Strattera boosts the levels of norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that affects concentration and attention. Straterra also contains some antidepressent properties and is frequently prescribed for ADD patients who also suffer from mild depression or anxiety. Straterra's effects last longer than those of other ADD medications, so it is commonly given to individuals who have trouble getting motivated in the mornings. Common side effects of Strattera include fatigue, headaches, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, erectile dysfunction, agitation and suicidal tendencies.

Antidepressants

• Patients who suffer from both ADD and a depressive disorder sometimes obtain more relief when they take a prescribed antidepressant that targets multiple neurotransmitters in the brain. Wellbutrin, the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for ADD patients, increases the levels of the serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters. While antidepressants often increase a patient's ability to pay attention, they are less effective than stimulants in reducing impulsive behavior. Many physicians recommend patients try cognitive/behavioral therapy in addition to the medication. Common side effects associated with antidepressants include restlessness, agitation, sleeplessness, headache and gastrointestinal distress.

High Blood Pressure Medications

• Certain blood pressure medications are used to treat individuals who suffer from ADD as well as facial tics, aggressive disorders or Tourette's syndrome. High blood pressure medicines such as Catapres, which contains clonidine, and Tenex, which has guanfacine as its primary ingredient, seem to be especially helpful when prescribed along with a stimulant drug. High blood pressure medications are typically effective in helping ADD patients control impulsiveness and aggression but do little to help correct a patient's attention problems. The most common side effects of blood pressure medications are sedation and slow heart beat.

Considerations

• While ADD medications can improve an individual's ability to focus, control impulses and pay attention, there is no a magic pill that will "cure" ADD. ADD sufferers often need to undergo counseling to deal with the negative thoughts and emotions that are common to the condition. Moreover, ADD medications work better for some patients than for others. While many people experience dramatic relief of ADD symptoms on medication, others don't notice any difference at all. Finding the right medication and the correct dosage often takes time and patience.