Medications for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

Adult attention deficit disorder (ADD) may begin during childhood and continue into adulthood or may not develop until adolescence or the adult years. The symptoms of adult ADD include procrastination, distraction, memory problems and lack of productivity. Treatments for adults with ADD include counseling and medications or a combination of the two.

Antidepressants

• According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, Effexor and Wellbutrin are antidepressants that are often used off-label to treat adult ADD.

Stimulants

• Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana), dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) treat problems with neurotransmitters and relieve the symptoms of ADD.

Stimulant Side Effects

• The side effects of stimulants used to treat ADD include weight loss, loss of appetite, sleep problems and moodiness when the medication wears off.

Non-stimulants

• Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant medication that can also decrease symptoms of anxiety and is given to people who cannot tolerate side effects of stimulants.

Anti-hypertensives

• Clonidine (Catapres) and guanfacine (Tenex) are medications normally used for treating high blood pressure but can also reduce symptoms of adult ADD and insomnia.

Considerations

• According to the Mayo Clinic, not all stimulant medications used in children are approved for use in adults with ADD, although doctors may prescribe them in an off-label capacity.

Warning

• Adults considering stimulant medications for ADD should tell their doctors about any other medications they are on, due to potential drug interactions with medications for high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.