ADHD and ADD Medication and Treatment

Deciding to take, or administer, medication for ADD/ADHD can be a very difficult and personal process. Therefore it is important to know the benefits and possible side effects associated with the different types of medications available. ADD/ADHD medications can help relieve symptoms such as difficulty controlling impulses, concentrating, and the ability to follow through with tasks. However, it is important to accept that although these medications assist in controlling symptoms, it is not a cure. Often time’s patients taking medication can still experience forgetfulness, emotional turmoil, disorganization, and feelings of social awkwardness. There are two different types of medications available, stimulant and non-stimulant.

Stimulant Medications
Medications such as Adderall, Adderall XR, Ritailin, Concerta, and Vyvanse are considered to be stimulant medications. Stimulants are the most common form of treatment because they have the longest running record of symptom improvement, and have the most supportive research. Stimulants increase the level of dopamine in the body, which assists with motivation, pleasure, attentions, and movement. Stimulants are known to reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, while increasing the ability to concentrate. These medications are available in short term and long acting doses. Short term doses last only a few hours and may need to be taken 2-3 times a day. Long acting, also known as extended release, doses last 8-12 hours and only need to be taken once daily.

Common side effects for stimulant medications are feelings of restlessness, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, headaches, upset stomach, dizziness, racing heartbeat, mood swings, and depression. At this time, the impact on brain development for long term dosage is not known. Sudden death in children and adults who have heart disease has been associated with stimulant usage. The American Heart Association recommends patients receive a cardiac evaluation prior to beginning these medications. Persons with a family history or suicide, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, and depression have a higher risk of devolving hostility, and aggression while using stimulant medications.

Non-Stimulant Medication
Strattera is currently the only non-stimulant ADHD/ADD medication available. It works by increasing the levels of norepinephine in the body. Strattera is a long acting medication which can stay in the body for up to 24 hours. It is considered to be a good choice for anyone who is also suffering from depression or anxiety, as Strattera has some antidepressant properties. The down side to Strattera is that it is not as effective on hyperactivity as stimulant medications.

Common side effects of Strattera are sleepiness, headache, abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and agitation. In some cases, this medication may also cause insomnia, and appetite suppression. Strattera also lists on its warning label a potential increase in suicidal thoughts and actions, particularly in persons with bipolar disorder.

The ADHD Treatment website is a useful resource for information regarding many aspects of Attention Deficit Disorder, including Medications, All Natural Treatment Options and the Stimulant Adjustment Process. The is also information on the treatment of Adult ADHD.