Medications Used to Treat ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, most commonly referred to as ADHD, is a condition marked by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 3 to 5 percent of children have been diagnosed with ADHD, although the number is likely to be 8 to 10 percent in school-aged children. Furthermore, ADHD often persists even into adulthood. Fortunately, there are ways of treating the condition with stimulants and antidepressants.

Stimulants

• Stimulants have been used to treat ADHD patients for more than 50 years and are generally regarded as safe and effective. Although doctors don't fully understand the brain chemistry of those living with ADHD, stimulants work to "stimulate" the brain into make more neurotransmitters for cell-to-cell communication. This increased production of neurotransmitters works to decrease the symptoms of ADHD.

  The most common stimulants used to treat ADHD are Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta, Adderall and Strattera. Although Strattera is marketed as a non-stimulant drug, it works in the same manner. The National Institute of Mental Health concludes that 9 out of 10 school-aged students show a decrease in ADHD symptoms when on a regime that includes a combination of a stimulant and a behavior-modification program.

Antidepressants

• Although antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD, they are prescribed far less often. Because of their sometimes dangerous side effects, particularly in young children, antidepressants are always a "last resort." Antidepressants approved for treating ADHD include the "tricyclic antidepressants" of imipamine, desipramine and notriptyline. Buproprion, more commonly known as Wellbutrin, is another antidepressant.

Side Effects

• Each of the stimulant and antidepressant medications might cause side effects when taken to treat ADHD. Use of stimulants can cause muscular tics, insomnia and decreased appetite. Luckily, the side effects from stimulants can be controlled by switching medications or by altering the dosage. The side effects from antidepressants can be a lot more dangerous, so close monitoring by a physician is strongly recommended. These side effects include a change in heart rate and rhythm, dry mouth, headaches, and drowsiness. Buproprion has even been reported to cause seizures.

Dosages

• Unlike a lot of medications, stimulants used to treat ADHD are not prescribed depending on the patient's weight. Doctors generally choose one medication and prescribe the lowest dosage amount. After a few weeks have passed and it appears the symptoms are not yet under control, the physician will prescribe the next dosage level. It's important to note that it can take weeks to find the medicine and dosage amount that works best for you or your child, and your doctor will work closely with you to find the best course of treatment.

  Most medications are now "long lasting" and can last up to 12 hours per day. Therefore, only one morning dose may be required. If your ADHD child is not able to swallow pills, "short-acting" Ritalin or Adderall can be prescribed so that the pills can be chewed or crushed. Similarly, your doctor can prescribe a patch to be worn on the skin.

Considerations

• Parents who have children using ADHD medications are often concerned about the likelihood of them becoming drug addicts. However, a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute of Drug abuse concluded that people with untreated ADHD are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than those who are controlling their symptoms with medication.

  Most physicians will advise their patients that medication alone will not treat the symptoms of ADHD and that some sort of behavior-modification program must also be implemented to ensure their ongoing success at school and work.