Understanding ADHD Medications: Types, Effectiveness & Treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is often treated with medications. ADHD medications help to control symptoms of inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHD medications are most effective when used in combination with behavioral therapies.

Stimulant Medications

• Stimulant medications are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. These medications include Dexadrine, Adderall, Daytrana, Concerta and Ritalin. Stimulant medications work by stimulating neurotransmitters within the brain.

Nonstimulant Medications

• Straterra is a nonstimulant medication often prescribed to treat ADHD when stimulant medications either cause bothersome side effects or do not reduce ADHD symptoms effectively. Strattera may be especially effective for patients who have both ADHD and anxiety.

Antidepressants

• Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin are sometimes used to treat ADHD after stimulant and nonstimulant medications have been ineffective in treating ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants are helpful for patients who also have a mood disorder.

Stimulant versus Nonstimulant

• Stimulant medications may cause poor appetite, restlessness and irritability when the medicine begins to wear off each day. Nonstimulant medications may also cause cause poor appetite as well as sleepiness and nausea.

Hypertension Medications

• In some circumstances high blood pressure medications such as Catapres and Tenex may be used to treat ADHD when other medications cause insomnia or tics. Also, hypertension medications may be used to treat ADHD accompanied by aggressive behaviors.