What To Consider About Prescription Medication for ADHD

Note: The following article mentions medication and supplements. The below information is intended for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice or diagnosis from a licensed professional. Do not start, change, or stop a medication without speaking to your doctor. 

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause various symptoms that may be challenging to manage without accommodations. For that reason, medical treatments are available to help individuals cope with daily life. If you believe you may be living with ADHD, talking to a doctor about making any diagnoses, plus available treatment options, may provide you benefit. Several medications are used to treat ADHD, and doctors may also point clients toward therapy, whether on its own or in conjunction with medication. 

When choosing a medication for your child or yourself, your doctor may consider stimulant and non-stimulant prescription medications for ADHD. While both kinds of medications are commonly prescribed to reduce symptoms of ADHD, the medications that work for you may depend on your medical history, ADHD presentation type, and a variety of other factors. 

Your doctor can provide information about the most common side effects of non-stimulant and stimulant medicines, which could include increases in blood pressure and heart rate, stomach pain, dry mouth, and appetite suppression. Though some ADHD medications were once linked to cardiac events and sudden death, recent studies suggest that these options may not increase the risk of such adverse effects.    

Stimulant class medication is often the first-line medication type for children and some adults with ADHD. Stimulants have been estimated to function for around 70% of all children with the condition. 

Stimulants for ADHD increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These medications are known to work quickly and may help individuals focus and manage hyperactivity. There are many stimulant medications available. Your doctor can work with you to consider the best options for you. 

Stimulants are often used not only for children but can also be used for adults. The medication may reduce impulsive behaviors in adults, allowing them to focus on essential tasks. However, medication may not work the same for everyone. Some people don’t experience benefits when taking stimulant medications.

At times, relatives in the same family may experience different results from the same medications. Finding the proper treatment can take trial and error, so work with a doctor to discuss your options. A medical healthcare professional can review the risks of adverse effects and the potential for misuse. Stimulant medications are being used recreationally at high rates, particularly among young adults. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stimulant ADHD medications are one of the most frequently misused types of medicine. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Non-stimulant medications

When an individual does not tolerate stimulants or when stimulants are not indicated, an individual may try non-stimulant ADHD medications. Non-stimulant medication can lead to a greater ability to focus, improved memory, and fewer impulsive outbursts. However, these medications may take longer to reach maximum effectiveness. 

Predicting which medication may work best for each person can be challenging. Factors like gender, height, and weight might not be the only variables in determining the best dose. Doctors may experiment and observe over time. In addition to medication or as an alternative, clients may be referred to a therapist to discuss mental health challenges associated with ADHD symptoms. 

Non-stimulant ADHD medications include medications developed specifically to treat ADHD symptoms and other off-label medicines that are primarily prescribed to treat other conditions, like high blood pressure.Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in individuals with ADHD, who are thought to experience deficiencies in it. Recommended by organizations like the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, SNRIs can often be prescribed to children ages six to 12, adolescents, and adults. Research suggests that some of these medications can significantly reduce the cognitive challenges associated with ADHD, specifically atomoxetine. SNRIs may improve the core symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Adverse effects may include irritability, anxiety, appetite changes, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction. However, each person is different, and SNRIs may not be the right choice for everyone. Talk to a doctor about potential side effects and which medication may be beneficial to you. 

Blood pressure medication

Medications used to lower high blood pressure, such as alpha agonists, are often prescribed off-label, which means they are prescribed for a purpose other than their intended use, in this case, to treat ADHD. Approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in children, alpha agonists have been proven to reduce impulsive behavior, distractibility, and hyperactivity. Adverse effects may include reduced blood pressure, dizziness, sleepiness, and dry mouth for some people. 

Antidepressants

Often used to treat depressive symptoms, certain antidepressants have also been shown to reduce the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD. Antidepressant medications that may help individuals manage ADHD symptoms include tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and a few others. Adverse effects may include stomach pain, low blood pressure, headache, and fatigue for some people. Talk to your doctor about side effects before starting a medication. 

Can homeopathic remedies be used to treat ADHD?

Determining which remedies work for you or your family may take time. Depending on your biology, some remedies may prove more valuable than others. Some people with ADHD may try homeopathic remedies as an alternative to non-stimulant medications. However, note that many homeopathic remedies have not been controlled or approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, so discuss any supplement or medication with your doctor before treatment. Below are some of the most common at-home remedies for ADHD. 

Synaptol

Synaptol is a popular homeopathic remedy for ADHD. This supplement is a liquid specially formulated for managing ADHD in adults and children over the age of two. The liquid is made from sweet violet, green oat grass, skullcap, and other herbs. It is gluten-free and may reduce ADHD symptom severity. 

No clinical studies have been performed on Synaptol, so the evidence for this remedy is anecdotal. Take caution and discuss the safety of the ingredients with your doctor. 

Coffea cruda

A remedy for ADHD symptoms called Coffea cruda has been tested, with positive results in improving insomnia. Coffea cruda is made from unroasted coffee beans and seems to have the opposite effect of caffeine for most people. Some people with ADHD who drink this form of coffee may experience relaxation and a focused mind. However, as studies of this type of coffee are focused on other conditions, it may not treat ADHD symptoms. If your ADHD is associated with insomnia, you might benefit from trying this remedy alongside the guidance of a medical practitioner.

Verat alb

Verat alb is a homeopathic remedy that may be used to soothe nerves. Some people with ADHD use this herb in small doses to achieve results. However, it can be dangerous in large doses and without guidance. There is no current evidence that this treatment is safer or better than medicine. Like other homeopathic remedies, the evidence for the usefulness of verat alb is anecdotal.

Other supplements and ingredients 

Some people use common substances or ingredients to counter their ADHD symptoms. For example, some may drink high levels of caffeine to regain their focus. Others might turn to natural herbs like Gingko biloba to attempt to boost memory retention. These might be helpful in the short term but may not be effective in the long term. 

Additional supplements that have been studied to improve ADHD include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, iron, melatonin, and L-carnitine. Before trying supplements, take the advice of your doctor. Using homeopathic remedies to help manage your condition may seem appealing, but the results may be more unpredictable than expected. These remedies have still not proven as successful as traditional medications and therapy. Conversely, both stimulant and non-stimulant medications for ADHD have proven successful in clinical studies.

ADHD symptoms can also be managed through non-medical treatment like therapy, whether alongside medical treatments or as a standalone treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven successful in treating ADHD, with some studies indicating more success

Some people with ADHD may hesitate to seek support in person due to difficulty keeping appointments, or other barriers. In these cases, online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may be beneficial. 

Online therapy is often more convenient. This treatment format allows you to seek out help on your terms and schedule. Unlike traditional therapy, online therapy is available from home on a flexible schedule. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions, according to your needs. 

Studies show that some people with ADHD may remain on a waitlist when seeking in-person treatment. In a situation like this, researchers conclude that online therapy is a more effective alternative.