Medications
Medicines are used to help control the
symptoms of
(ADHD):
hyperactivity,
, and
.
Most often, stimulant
medicines are used to treat ADHD. These medicines are effective for people of
all ages, although more research is needed on how adults respond. In general,
stimulant medicines improve symptoms in about 70% of people who have
ADHD.1 There are often quick and dramatic improvements
in behavior.
Other types of medicines may be used to treat
ADHD.
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant medicine for
ADHD.
- Some antihypertensives, designed to treat high blood
pressure, can also help control aggressive and impulsive behaviors in some
people.
- The antidepressant bupropion or a tricyclic antidepressant
may be needed if psychostimulants do not improve symptoms.
Medicine may be needed to treat other mental health
conditions, such as
, that often occur along with
ADHD.
If you are giving your child medicine for ADHD, be sure that it is taken consistently. Also, you will need to
regularly monitor the effects of the medicine and communicate closely with your
child's doctor.
For more information, see:
ADHD: Should My Child Take Medicine for ADHD?
Medication Choices
The following medicines are used to treat attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):
- , such as Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD,
Focalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Daytrana
-
(Strattera), an approved nonstimulant medicine for children, teens, and adults
with ADHD
- , such as Catapres and
Tenex, which may be used to treat aggression and impulsivity not controlled by
ADHD medicines
- Antidepressants, such as bupropion (for example,
Wellbutrin)
FDA Advisories. The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) has issued:
- An
advisory on Strattera. It suggests parents and other
caregivers closely watch for
warning signs of suicide in children and teens taking
this medicine.
- An
advisory on antidepressants. It advises that adults,
teens, and children who take this medicine be closely watched for warning signs of suicide.
The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these
medicines. Instead, a person taking these medicines should be watched for
warning signs of suicide.
All medicines approved for the
treatment of ADHD come with an FDA warning about possible heart-related or
mental health problems. Before starting a medicine for ADHD, tell your doctor
if you or your child has any heart problems, heart defects, or mental health
problems.
The FDA has issued an advisory about Strattera and the risks of liver injury, orthostatic hypotension, and syncope. Call your doctor if you have nausea or belly pain. Also, call your doctor if you feel dizzy or lightheaded or if your skin is yellowing.