ADHD Medications

Introduction

People with ADHD often act and think a little differently than the rest of us.  Children with ADHD often have trouble in school because they are easily distracted.  Some children can carry their ADHD into adulthood where the pressures and responsibilities are so much greater that other disorders such as depression become serious conditions. 

Scientists have found that certain medicines are helpful in improving ADHD symptoms.   The medications that are prescribed for ADHD all work a little differently.   Your doctor will work closely with you and your child (if your child is the one with ADHD) to determine which medicine will best treat the patient's symptoms and circumstances while paying careful attention to whether the patient being prescribed the medication has any other health problems.

ADHD medications
Below you will find a brief summary of the types of ADHD medications that are most frequently prescribed.  Some patients with ADHD will only be asked to take one kind of medication, while others will be told that they need 2, 3 or even more medications in order to get their symptoms under control.  If you have any questions regarding the medications that you or your child are asked to take, you should feel free to consult with your prescribing doctor.

Stimulants

Generally it is a stimulant medication that a child is first prescribed with after being diagnosed with ADHD.  You may hear of stimulant medications being called psychostimulants and more specifically, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and a d- and l-amphetamin racemic mixture that have been given brand names.  Stimulant medications affect the regulation of two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine. This stimulation leads to increase brain activity and the result is that a child is more alert and better able to maintain and direct their attention.  Some of the most popular brand name stimulants that are being prescribed for ADHD are Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta. 

A common misconception about stimulants is that they will make a hyperactive child more active by "stimulating" them.  The truth is that although these medicines do have a stimulating effect in most people it has been found that they have a calming effect in children and adults who have ADHD.  Naturally there are some disadvantages to stimulants that include mood changes, headaches, irritability, insomnia and loss of appetite. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received reports that the brand name drug Concerta was producing more serious side effects such as psychosis, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts among some users.

Non-Stimulants

Non-stimulant drugs are more appealing simply because of their name and again because of the misconception that stimulants add to hyperactivity.  Non-stimulant drugs work by increasing attention and impulse control by monitoring a certain brain chemical believed to affect those behaviors.  As non-stimulant drugs are relatively new treatments for ADHD, the FDA has approved Strattera (atomoxetine) as the first new drug in three decades for the treatment of the symptoms of ADHD.  Common side effects that were found in those given a trial dosage of Strattera included moodiness, fatigue and decreased appetite.

Anti-depressants

Anti-depressants work to treat the symptoms of ADHD by relieving anxiety and regulating one's mood.  This is done by altering brain chemical composition with the introduction of the anti-depressant into the system.  Anti-depressants are typically prescribed as a second choice to stimulants.  Wellbutrin is perhaps the most commonly prescribes anti-depressant.  It works by having an indirect effect on the neurotransmitter dopamine.  This effect has been useful in clinical trials on the treatment of ADHD in both children and adults.  Other anti-depressant drugs also work by having a specific effect in the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain.  Another common brand names for an anti-depressant drug used for treating ADHD is Effexor (or Venlafaxine). 

Anti-depressants are commonly prescribed to children suffering from both ADHD and depression.  Depression is a common condition that those with ADHD are diagnosed with.  This is largely because of the negative self image and low self esteem that those with ADHD tend to develop because of their inability to success and pay attention at the same level as their peers.  Side effects of using an anti-depressant medication can include dizziness, weight loss and suicidal thoughts.

Natural remedies

Many natural remedies for ADHD and ADD have proven to be effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD.  For many, natural remedies, herbal supplements, and dietary changes are excellent alternatives to prescription medications.  This is especially true for parents who are concerned about overly medicating their children or of the disturbing side effects that are all too among those who take the stimulant or anti-depressant drugs that are common practice with ADHD.

Psychological/behavioral therapy

ADHD is said to be more of a psychological disorder than a biological disorder.  For this reason it makes the most sense to not only address the physical changes that need to take place by prescribing medications, but also to address the behavioral changes that ought to happen in order to actually cure the child or adult with ADHD.  Remember that medications can only control the symptoms of ADHD temporarily.  It is the psychotherapy and counseling that enables the individual to learn how they can again regain control of their thinking and therefore master their abilities.  There are many different types of counseling that one can participate in.  As each individual needs a behavior modification program that is specifically tailored to them, it is best to consult with your own physician or mental health professional to get a better idea of what types of options would be most effective given your situation. 

Are ADHD medications safe?

Naturally, parents are very hesitant to give their children prescription medicine.  There are issues of dependency and dozens of side effects that can make deciding on a treatment option very difficult.  Most experts agree that ADHD medications are safe and effective when they are used under a psychiatrist's or other doctor's care.  It is when these drugs fall into the wrong hands that the greatest medication related dangers exist. 

The side effects of stimulant ADHD medications when they're used long term in abusive dosages includes increased heart rate and blood pressure, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), changes in mood, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and irregular breathing.
These medications are also more likely to become addictive when they're abused.  ADHD medications are considered controlled substances and as such are illegal to share with or used by anyone other than the patient that it was prescribed for. 

ADHD medications do have the potential to become addictive if they are abused.  But when used as sparingly as possible and for as short of a time as possible according to your doctor's orders, these safety risks are greatly diminished.  Also remember that dependency on a medication should be avoided as it is designed to be only one part of an ADHD treatment plan.  The most effective ADHD treatment plans include both medication and therapy.

Ways to reduce the negative side effects of ADHD medications

Although ADHD medications that are approved by the FDA and prescribed by a physician are considered safe to use, they may have side effects that are unpleasant.  Some side effects last only for a few days, others can last for weeks, and others still can last for the length that the medication in being taken.  The truth is that the vast majority of children will have at least one side effect to their ADHD medications.  However, many parents and children find that the negative side effects are much better than having no medication to help with the ADHD symptoms at all.  Although you may have the option of switching to a different medication in the hopes that you can reduce side effects, it is also good to keep in mind that there are ways to lessen and even eliminate negative side effects by making some small changes in your diet or routine.  Below is a short list of some of the most common side effects that children may have when taking ADHD medications.  Listed with each side effect will be simple ways that you can try to reduce those specific symptoms.

• Stomach pain/nausea and appetite trouble - Make sure that your child is taking their medication with food.  Encourage a routine with healthy snacks and change your dinner time routine until you find a time that works best with when your child is most receptive to eating.
• Headaches - Again, be sure that you are giving the ADHD medication with food and consider a longer acting medication that is taken less frequently.
• Difficulties falling asleep - If your child is having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, try giving them their morning dose of ADHD medication earlier in the day. Don't allow your child to drink caffeinated beverages.  Establish a sleep-only zone where stimulating activities such as toys or a television are not present.  Teach your child to relax at bedtime.  Establish daytime routines and a consistent nighttime routine.  Discourage late night visits that might stimulate the child.  Avoid sleep medications.  Consider other medical problems that may exist.  Children often do not sleep well when they are ill or have other discomforts that may be completely unrelated to their medication.
• Tics, mood changes, growth problems, rebound of difficult behaviors and dizziness - Chart these changes that your child is experiencing and talk with your doctor about them.  What he or she suggests that you do next will vary.  The doctor may switch the medication, ask you to continue on the same medication for a little longer, or possibly order tests depending on what your charted findings and the child's unique medical history find are necessary.