What Medications Are Used for ADHD?

A major part of treating ADHD is prescribed medication. In addition to behavioral therapy and coping skills education, medications help ADHD patients manage and control their energy levels as well as attentiveness. Although Ritalin is a commonly prescribed medication, many other drugs and drug types are used to treat ADHD.

ADHD

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurological disorder in which a patient has problems focusing on tasks and maintaining energy levels to the point where it disrupts normal life activities. ADHD is often diagnosed in children, but it can also be diagnosed in adults. Typical symptoms include an inability to complete tasks, impatience when waiting in line or to take a turn, lack of eye contact when being spoken to and a penchant to run or climb on structures like couches and curtains.

Methylphenidates

• Methylphenidates are considered stimulants, but do not act in the way that amphetamines do. For ADHD patients, methylphenidates stimulate the brain but help filter out distractions. They are typically used to treat narcolepsy, but are prescribed to ADHD patients in lower dosages. Ritalin and Concerta are examples of prescribed methylphenidates.

Amphetamines

• Amphetamines, such as Adderall, are designed to also stimulate the mind. They tend to be more potent than methylphenidates. Amphetamines work by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, neurotransmitters responsible for helping people concentrate and maintain a good mood. They also increase alertness and reduce fatigue, both of which could have extended affects in ADHD patients.

Bupropion

• Bupropions are considered antidepressants. Sometimes the receptors for norepinephrine and dopamine do not work properly and allow the brain to reabsorb those neurotransmitters, reducing levels of both in the brain. Bupropions work by preventing that re-uptake, keeping those levels consistent. Wellbutrin is an example of a bupropion prescribed to ADHD patients.

Side Effects

• As with many prescribed drugs, there are side effects that can be associated with ADHD medications. Dry mouth, diarrhea and nausea have been associated with Ritalin. Younger patients might have reduced appetites and difficulty sleeping. One of the main concerns with taking Wellbutrin was a possibility of seizures. However, the increased risk was with doses above 450 milligrams in patients with a history of head trauma or liver diseases.