A reader asked me about treatment options for ADHD. Since there is so much information available and so many options for treating ADHD I decided to divide the information up into prescription and nonprescription alternatives.

Prescription drug therapy is an important component of treating ADHD and there are many different medicines that can be used to help control symptoms. The medicines typically used are available in immediate-release, intermediate-acting and timed-released options. You may need to try several forms over a period of time from your physician before you find the best medication and dosage for your individual ADHD.

A Class of drugs called stimulants has been used effectively to treat ADHD for years. These medicines help users to focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. These medicines are approved for use in adolescents or children over the age of 6 with ADHD symptoms causing at school, at work, and at home.

Some stimulant drugs to treat ADHD include: Adderall and Adderall XR, Concerta, Cyclert, Daytrana, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate CD and Metadate ER, Methlin, Ritalin, Ritalin LA
The first nonstimulant medication used to treat ADHD is Strattera and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003.

When stimulants or Strattera are not effective or not tolerated well, other types of medications may be used to treat ADHD. Such as various antidepressants like Pamelor, Catapres or Tenex, Wellbutrin, Effexor

ADHD drugs have side effects sometimes that tend to happen when treatment first begins but they are usually mild and don’t last long. The most common side effects include: Decreased appetite/weight loss, Sleep problems, headaches, jitteriness, social withdrawal, and stomachaches. You should never change your medication or dosage with first consulting your health care provider.

Information in this article was based on the following website. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=41895

My children have tried most of these medications over the past twelve years and they have also experienced all of the side effects as well. With all but two of my children the side effects lasted for only a few weeks and they were able to continue on their medication.

Two of my children won’t use any of these medications because they weren’t comfortable with the continued light headed or fuzzy feelings as well as the lack of appetite and seemingly uncontrollable angry outburst.

One of my daughters developed a rash on her legs that she would stop scratching. At first we thought she had poison Ivy and treated her for it. It turned out to be her Concerta so her doctor had to lower the dosage and the rash went away.
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