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,
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, Adderall 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) 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 are less
likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs. (And people who use their
ADHD medications appropriately do not 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: October 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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