Stimulants Drugs for treatment Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate)
- Pemoline (Cylert)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- Mixed amphetamines (Adderall)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
Central nervous system stimulants help to balance the activity of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain. Through this mechanism, they tend to increase attention span, improve focus, and decrease distractibility in people with ADHD.Although these medicines have a stimulating effect in most people, they tend to have a calming effect in children and adults with ADHD.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Symptoms are improved in about 70 percent of people with ADHD. In children specifically, 75 to 80 percent improve after starting a stimulant medication.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, weight loss, stomachache, headache, overstimulation/anxiety, dizziness, tics, listlessness/lethargy, angina, and mood changes are the more common side effects associated with stimulants. In higher doses, paranoid psychotic reactions may be seen. In typical doses, clinically insignificant elevation of blood pressure and increased heart rate may occur.
MAJOR CAUTIONS
In February 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered that all companies making stimulant drugs for ADHD add warning labels to their products. These new labeling regulations addressed two major concerns.
First, heart-related problems, including risk of sudden death in children with heart problems; risk of stroke, heart attacks; and sudden death in adults with a history of heart disease.
Second, psychiatric problems: these drugs may trigger or exacerbate negative behaviors and emotions, especially in those with any family history of mental illness. Suppression of growth is also a major concern with long-term use of stimulants in children. Psychological and/or physical dependence on stimulants can occur.
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