ADHD Medication

ADHD medications treat hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults and children to help them focus, learn and work more efficiently. The medication combination varies, depending on a person’s age and symptoms. For children, body weight is a consideration for proper dosing.

Finding the correct dosage is essential, as is determining the proper combination of drugs. Dosage amounts span a broad range, so having a physician monitor usage is necessary to effectively and safely use ADHD medication.

Stimulants are the most common ADHD medication for people across all age brackets. Up to 80% of children who receive stimulant treatment for ADHD show significant improvements.

Although these drugs don’t cure ADHD, they can improve relaxation, concentration and function at school, work or home.

Physicians may prescribe a combination of stimulants to alleviate ADHD symptoms. Options may include Adderall, a drug that contains both dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.

Combining these ADHD treatments can enhance your ability to control your actions and to focus.

Using Stimulants With Behavior Therapy

Children with attention disorders may need more than ADHD medication to control disruptive behavior. Including behavioral therapy in their ADHD treatment can help children reduce those impulses at home and at school.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends behavior management training for the parents of children with ADHD as well, so they understand how to respond to behaviors and improve family dynamics.

Who Should Avoid Stimulants?

Your doctor may not recommend certain stimulants based on underlying health conditions.

Safety factors to consider include a history of drug allergies, heart conditions, recent use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or a history of Tourette syndrome.

Unlike stimulants, nonstimulant ADHD medication doesn’t stimulate the central nervous system or boost dopamine levels. Instead, it makes more neurotransmitters available in the brain, increasing impulse control and concentration.

Nonstimulants are an option for ADHD patients who experience severe side effects or don’t improve with stimulants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Strattera (atomozatine), Kapvay (clonidine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) for use in children.

Children diagnosed with ADHD who exhibit aggressive behavior might benefit from off-label antipsychotic treatment using drugs such as risperidone (Risperdal) or olanzapine (Zyprexa). Adults may also be prescribed these drugs.

Discuss the best options with your doctor. Take into account potential ADHD medication side effects, even with nonstimulants.

Taking antipsychotics can cause significant issues with weight gain and drowsiness, sometimes with little treatment benefits. Similarly, some people experience toxicity and breathing issues after taking ADHD drugs such as clonidine.

Who Should Avoid Nonstimulants?

You shouldn’t use nonstimulant ADHD medications such as atomoxetine if you have a serious heart disorder. Additionally, your doctor may stop treatment immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to clonidine.

The nonstimulant Qelbree (viloxazine) is unsafe to use if you’ve recently taken MAOI antidepressants. Also, potentially harmful drug interactions can occur if you’re on medications such as theophylline, ramelteon and alosetron.

The FDA has only approved one antidepressant, Qelbree, as an ADHD medication for children. Your doctor may prescribe similar drugs off-label if you have significant problems with stimulants, such as severe side effects or lack of progress with treatment.

Taken alone or with a stimulant, antidepressants can ease symptoms in individuals with ADHD and depression or other co-occurring mental illnesses such as mood disorders or anxiety.

Nonstimulant antidepressants can improve focus and reduce hyperactivity in those with ADHD. Additionally, these drugs are less prone to abuse. Studies show that drugs like Qelbree have a lower risk of drug dependence than stimulants.

These drugs also come with risks, such as suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Those with a history of heart problems or allergies should inform their doctor of these pre-existing conditions.

You can usually take ADHD medications with or without food. The drug may come as chewables, tablets, capsules or suspension powers. Take it at the same time every day in the exact dosage and manner your doctor prescribed.

Treatment duration can vary from weeks to years, with the dosage decreasing over time. Children usually take smaller doses than adults, based on weight.

Whether you’re taking a stimulant, nonstimulant or antidepressant, let your doctor know if you experience any ADHD medication side effects.

As with all drugs, ADHD medication can interact with other medicines, inhibiting treatment or endangering the patient.

Don’t stop taking ADHD medication unless your doctor advises you to do so. Abrupt discontinuation of treatment may worsen your condition and trigger serious withdrawal symptoms.

One recent case report documented a young patient who experienced withdrawal effects within 72 hours of halting clonidine use. The symptoms, which lasted three days, included vomiting, a faster heart rate and agitation.

People with attention deficit disorder may benefit from various complementary therapies. Recommended options include eating a consistently healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, keeping a regular sleep schedule and practicing meditation or guided breathing.

Your physician may suggest alternative treatments along with, rather than in place of, ADHD medication to support better symptom management.