ADHD Medications


Managing ADHD With Medication



Just about everyone has trouble concentrating or paying attention in class from time to time. But for teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
symptoms like being unable to pay attention and follow instructions can
cause problems at school and in many other areas of their lives.
Several medicines can help to reduce ADHD symptoms.

People with ADHD often act and think a little differently. They may
have trouble in school because they get distracted easily. They may feel
bored all the time for no simple reason, lose things, say or do
whatever is on their mind at the time without thinking, and interrupt
when other people are talking.

Scientists have found that certain medicines are helpful in improving
ADHD symptoms. These medicines help people with ADHD to concentrate and
focus better. Methylphenidate drugs (like Concerta or OROS extended
release methylphenidate, Ritalin LA, Focalin XR, or Metadate CD) affect
chemical signals in the central nervous system. Research suggests that
this may help people with ADHD because it increases the level of
neurotransmitters in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters
are chemicals that assist in sending messages between nerve cells in
the brain. In addition to pills, methylphenidate is also available in a
patch, called Daytrana, that can be placed directly on the skin allowing
medicine to be absorbed.

Doctors often prescribe other types of medication to help people with
ADHD. Amphetamines (such as Adderall or mixed amphetamine salts,
Adderall XR or mixed amphetamine salts XR, Vyvanse, Dextrostat, and
Dexedrine) treat ADHD in ways similar to methylphenidate medications.

Other types of medications that are prescribed for ADHD work
differently. They are not classed as stimulant medications like those
mentioned above. These include atomoxetine (Strattera), extended release
guanfacine (Intuniv), extended release clonidine (Kapvay), and certain
antidepressants (such as Wellbutrin).

Doctors work closely with their patients who have ADHD to figure out
which medicine will best treat a person based on his or her symptoms,
circumstances, and whether that person has any other health problems.
It's not unusual for a doctor to try a couple of medicines before
finding the one that works best.

Researchers are constantly working to develop new medications for ADHD.
Are ADHD Medications Safe?



Most experts agree that ADHD medications are safe and effective when
they are used under a psychiatrist's or other doctor's care. And ADHD
medications have been shown to help teens with ADHD in all sorts of
areas, such as reducing smoking, substance abuse, injuries, and
automobile accidents, and helping improve relationships in and out of
the home.

But stimulants can cause some serious health problems if they're
abused — in other words, when they're taken by someone who doesn't need
them or when they're taken at a higher dose or more often than a doctor
has recommended.

The side effects of stimulant-type ADHD medications when they're used
long term at high (abusive) dosages include increased heart rate and
blood pressure, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), changes in mood,
confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions (when your mind thinks
something is true when it really isn't), and irregular breathing.

Overdosing on ADHD medications can also cause dangerously high blood
pressure and irregular heartbeat, seizures, severe twitching or
uncontrolled movements, sweating, dry mouth and eyes, and vomiting.
These medications can also become addictive when they're abused. As with
other controlled prescription medications, there are laws against
sharing ADHD medications with other people.

Because ADHD medications have the potential to become addictive if
they are abused, there has been some concern that people who use these
medications to treat their ADHD might be more likely to abuse other
substances such as drugs or alcohol. In fact, research has demonstrated
that when people with ADHD are treated appropriately with medications
under a doctor's supervision, they may be less likely to abuse alcohol
and other drugs. (And people who use their ADHD medications
appropriately are unlikely to become addicted to these medications.)

Generally, medication is just one part of an ADHD treatment plan.
Treatment plans commonly include therapy and adjustments in school and
classes.

Reviewed by: Richard S. Kingsley, MD
Date reviewed: February 2011