ADHD and Your Child: Change for the Better
Drug Treatment of ADHD
Drug therapy is an important component of treating ADHD. There are many types of medications that can be used to control symptoms.
ADHD drugs are available in short-acting (immediate-release), intermediate-acting, and long-acting forms. It may take some time for a physician to find the best medication, dosage, and schedule for an individual with ADHD.
The Right Adult ADHD Treatment for You
Life with adult ADHD can be tough. ADHD symptoms can seep into every aspect of your life -- undermining your performance at work, your relationships, and your self-esteem. The good news is that adults with ADHD have a lot of effective treatments options, including ADHD medications. But if you've just been diagnosed, you probably have a lot of questions about treatment. Which approach will work best? What are the risks? Here are the answers that every adult with ADHD needs to know.
Read the The Right Adult ADHD Treatment for You article > >
Stimulants for ADHD
A class of drugs called psychostimulants or stimulants have been used to effectively treat ADHD for years. These medicines help users to focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. Stimulant medications are effective in 70% to 80% of patients.
Some experts consider stimulants the first line of treatment for ADHD in children and adolescents. Some stimulants are approved for use in children over 3, while others are approved for children over 6.
Stimulant drugs to treat ADHD include:
- Ritalin, Ritalin LA
- Adderall and Adderall XR
- Concerta
- Dexedrine
- Focalin and Focalin XR
- Metadate CD and Metadate ER
- Methylin
- Desoxyn
- Pemolin
- Vyvanse
Note that only some of these stimulants -- like Adderall XR, Concerta, Vyvanse, and Focalin XR -- are FDA-approved for adults.
Learn more about stimulant therapy.
Nonstimulants Drugs Approved to Treat ADHD
In cases where stimulants don’t work or cause unpleasant side effects, nonstimulants might help. The first nonstimulant medication approved by the FDA was Strattera. It's now used in children, adolescents, and adults. The FDA approved a second nonstimulant drug, Intuniv, for children and teens between ages 6 and 17. Both medications improve concentration and impulse control.
What Other Drugs Treat ADHD?
When stimulants and nonstimulants aren't effective or well-tolerated, several other drugs are available to treat ADHD. These medications include:
- Pamelor or other tricyclic antidepressants
- Catapres or Tenex
- Wellbutrin
- Effexor
Side Effects of ADHD Drugs
ADHD drugs sometimes have side effects, but these tend to happen early in treatment and are usually mild and short-lived. The most common side effects of ADHD drugs include:
- Decreased appetite/weight loss
- Sleep problems
- Headaches
- Jitteriness
- Social withdrawal
- Stomachaches
In most cases, side effects can be relieved using one of the following strategies:
- Changing the medication dosage
- Adjusting the schedule of medication
- Using a different medication
Always consult your health care provider before making any changes in your ADHD treatment regimen.
Rarely, medications for ADHD can cause more serious side effects. For instance, some stimulants are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems and sudden death in children. They may also exacerbate psychiatric conditions like depression or anxiety. So before you or your children start taking any ADHD medication, make sure you talk to a doctor about all of the potential risks.
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