ADD A to Z: Your Guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Download Your Copy Today

If you or a member of your family has recently been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), chances are your doctor will suggest you get on some type of ADHD medication, which is very common. Now, in addition to medication, most ADHD doctors will also recommend other forms of therapy, which might include working with a behavioral specialist, a family counselor, and so on. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of medication used but remember, you need to work closely with a reputable doctor and if at any time you are not handling the medication or you do not notice improvement, you need to let your doctor know.

The three most prescribed ADHD medications are Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall. However, remember that new medication is being worked on so it is expected that more and more options will become available. With all three of these drugs, people notice as much as an 80% improvement in reducing the symptoms associated with ADHD. That means the level of hyperactivity is reduced, the person is able to work better, concentrate better, and absorb information better. In addition, people taking ADHD medication will often stay they experience improved physical coordination and better sleep. Just keep in mind that while ADHD medication can greatly improve life for people with this disorder, it can also have side effects. Therefore, you need to understand medication and be aware of the benefits and downfalls.

First, let us talk about the ADHD medication of Ritalin. This particular drug is probably the most commonly prescribed. As a derivative from the 1950s drug of Dexedrine, Ritalin is designed to minimize side effects of insomnia and appetite suppression, which are often associated with ADHD. Although some controversy surrounds Ritalin, you can find this in two options – short and long term. The short-term type will get to work in about 30 minutes, peaks around two hours, and then after four hours, no longer works. Because of this, you have to take several doses a day. The long-term option is time released, lasting up to eight hours. With this ADHD medication, attention span is improved.

The second ADHD medication is Concerta, which is actually one of the newest on the market. Concerta is long-lasting, providing relief from symptoms up to 12 hours. Containing methylphenidate, which is also an ingredient in Ritalin, the drug gets into the bloodstream, and while the outer coat dissolves quickly, the other smaller compartments of the drug are slow released. One of the main benefits of taking Concerta is that if your child has ADHD, he or she can take the medication before school, do very well during class, and not need another dose until after arriving home. However, this drug cannot be cut in half to decrease the dose so you need to work with your doctor to ensure Concerta comes in the dosage best for you.

The final ADHD medication we will discuss is Adderall. Actually developed 20 years ago under the name of Obetrol as a weight loss drug, it was first approved by the FDA in 1996 for treatment of ADHD. This medication is now widely used, although relatively new to the market. Interestingly, this ADHD medication is actually four drugs in one. Typically, Adderall will last about six hours per dose, which means it is not always the best option for children. While the drug works extremely well, this too has its side effects, which are generally seen as headaches, dizziness, insomnia, weight loss, restlessness, and dry mouth. Like Ritalin, Adderall is becoming controversial since when taken by people without ADHD, it can be highly addictive. The up side is that Adderall helps people with ADHD to focus better.

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-ADHD Medication

-ADHD Medication