Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a neurological disorder characterized by ongoing patterns of lack of self-regulation to the extent that they interfere with functioning. More than 6 million children in America carry a diagnosis of ADHD. The estimated lifetime prevalence of ADHD in American adults between the ages of 18 and 44 years is 8.1%. ADHD is marked by three key characteristics:

• Inattention: A person with ADHD lacks persistence, cannot focus, tends to wander off tasks, and is disorganized. These problems are often misinterpreted as defiance or lack of comprehension, especially in children.
• Hyperactivity: A person with ADHD may constantly fidget, move about, or talk, even when inappropriate. The hyperactivity can also manifest as extreme restlessness.
• Impulsivity: A person with ADHD may perform actions in haste or take important decisions without considering the potential harm or long-term consequences. Impulsivity may also manifest as seeking immediate rewards with an inability to delay gratification. Impulsiveness associated with ADHD can lead to social intrusiveness and excessive interruption of others.

Some people with ADHD have combined symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The disorder is more common in males than in females. Other mental health problems, such as learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, and substance abuse are frequently present in people with ADHD and can worsen symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

Inattention caused by ADHD can lead to:

• Overlooking important details
• Having trouble focusing
• Not listening when spoken to
• Not following instructions
• Having problems organizing activities or tasks
• Avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Losing things such as keys, cell phone, etc.
• Being forgetful in everyday activities like chores, appointments, returning calls

Hyperactivity and impulsivity caused by ADHD can lead to:

• Squirming or fidgeting
• Inability to remain seated for long
• Running around when inappropriate
• Inability to engage quietly in tasks
• Constantly being “on the go"
• Talking nonstop
• Interrupting others (not allowing others to finish talking)
• Having trouble waiting for their turn

A physician will diagnose ADHD when one or more of these symptoms are present for a long time and lead to an impairment in development and function, causing you to fall behind at school or work. ADHD in children can be diagnosed as early as ages 3 to 6, and symptoms can continue throughout adolescence and adulthood unless treated.

Medications for ADHD

There is no cure for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, several treatments can reduce symptoms and allow a person with ADHD to function well. Medications for ADHD reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and improve focus to make working and learning easier. Oftentimes, your doctor will need to try different medications or adjust the dosage to find the one that works for you. The medications used to treat ADHD are broadly categorized as stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants

These are the most common pharmacologic treatments for ADHD. Although it may seem counterintuitive to treat ADHD with a “stimulant,” the drugs work by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, chemicals in the brain that are essential for attention and thinking. Stimulants are effective in improving ADHD symptoms in 70-80% of patients. The improvements are sustained as long as the medication is taken. Examples of stimulants for ADHD include Adderall, Concerta, Daytrana, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate, and Ritalin. Some of these medications are short-acting and need to be taken 2-3 times a day, while others are intermediate or long-acting and need to be taken only once a day.

Non-Stimulants

These are drugs that are typically prescribed when a person with ADHD does not respond to stimulants or has bothersome side effects. They may also be prescribed in combination with a stimulant to increase the effectiveness of ADHD treatment. Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD include antidepressants (imipramine, desipramine, bupropion), alpha-2 noradrenergic agonists (clonidine, Intuniv), and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (Effexor, Strattera).

Over-the-Counter Medications for ADHD

There are various preparations marketed as nootropics or cognitive enhancers and sold over-the-counter as substitutes for prescription stimulants. It is worth remembering that OTC nootropics for ADHD are not regulated by the FDA. The safety and efficacy of these medications are therefore unconfirmed. Many of the products on the market contain a mixture of nootropics, vitamins, minerals, and herbs that claim to boost brain function. However, it can be difficult to know what exactly is in the product.

Common Side Effects of ADHD Medications

Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of ADHD. When taken as directed under medical supervision, stimulants are considered safe and effective. However, like all medications, they carry the risk of side effects, especially if misused (taken at larger or more frequent doses than prescribed). Some of the common side effects of stimulants prescribed for ADHD include:

• Decreased appetite
• Tics (sudden, repetitive sounds or movements)
• Sleep difficulties
• Headache
• Stomachache
• Irritability and anxiety
• Personality changes

ADHD stimulant medications can lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and other serious side effects. For this reason, people with health conditions like anxiety disorder, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, seizures, and glaucoma may not be good candidates for the treatment of ADHD with stimulants.

It is worth noting that stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are not considered habit-forming when used as prescribed. However, they do have a potential for abuse and addiction, especially in people with a history of substance abuse. The relationship between ADHD and substance abuse appears to be bidirectional. Up to half of all adolescents and adults with substance use disorders have ADHD. Conversely, ADHD is associated with earlier onset and more severe substance abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

ADHD vs ADD – What’s the difference?

ADD (attention deficit disorder) is an outdated term that was earlier used to refer to people with the inattentive type of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

What causes ADHD?

ADHD is a neurological disorder and scientists are not sure what causes it. However, research has shown that several factors can contribute to ADHD including genetics, alcohol or cigarette use during pregnancy, exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy or early childhood, brain injuries, and low birth weight.

Can I get a discount on ADHD medications with BuzzRx?

Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera, and Vyvanse—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.

References:

1.  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml

2.  https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html#

3.  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd.shtml

4.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11766-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-stimulant-therapy

5.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3000197/

6.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480177