Medication Management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disoder
The information provided below is not comprehensive, but rather provides a general overview of the most common associated features.
There are not as many medications to treat ADHD as in other disorders. However, the medication available tend to be very effective. Beware, that ADHD medications all have activating qualities that can increase anxiety.
Stimulants
Examples: mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
Side Effects: Dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness, headache, rapid heart weight, cardiac arrhythmias.
Due to the risk for cardiac complications, it is recommended to have an EKG completed if taking a stimulant. PCP’s are able to complete an EKG at their office, if requested. In order to avoid tolerance and lower cardiac risks, it is advised to hold stimulants when they are not needed (weekends).
Other medications: These medications work slower than stimulants and have to be taken daily. However, they have better side effect profiles if stimulants are having adverse effects.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)-an antidepressant that focuses on dopamine and noriepinephrine.
Side Effects: headache, weight loss, insomnia, lowered seizure threshold, dry mouth
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Side Effects: decreased appetite, dry mouth, headache, feeling sleepy, sluggish or weak during the day, trouble sleeping at night, decreased libido or sexual side effects.
Stimulants
Examples: mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
Side Effects: Dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness, headache, rapid heart weight, cardiac arrhythmias.
Due to the risk for cardiac complications, it is recommended to have an EKG completed if taking a stimulant. PCP’s are able to complete an EKG at their office, if requested. In order to avoid tolerance and lower cardiac risks, it is advised to hold stimulants when they are not needed (weekends).
Other medications: These medications work slower than stimulants and have to be taken daily. However, they have better side effect profiles if stimulants are having adverse effects.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)-an antidepressant that focuses on dopamine and noriepinephrine.
Side Effects: headache, weight loss, insomnia, lowered seizure threshold, dry mouth
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Side Effects: decreased appetite, dry mouth, headache, feeling sleepy, sluggish or weak during the day, trouble sleeping at night, decreased libido or sexual side effects.
If you would like to be evaluated for ADHD or seek pharmacological treatment.