Four used classes of medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, with stimulants being most clear. The other groups or classifications are the nonstimulants, homeopathic fixes and those medications used off label. Stimulant use causes increased concentrations of brain messengers known as neurotransmitters. It is believed that the balance of transmissions are disrupted in a patient with ADD/ADHD. The effect of increased neurotransmitter release results in improvement of attention, alertness, vigilance and executive function. Executive function encompasses, 1) planning and decision making, 2) error correction or troubleshooting, 3) technology and associated difficulties, 4) resisting temptation and 5) overcoming habitual behavior. The large numbers of stimulant drugs are essentially variants of one another, with each being a form of amphetamine. These drugs are Adderall, Adderall XR, Concerta, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate CD (controlled dose), Methylin and Methyl ER (extended release), Ritalin, Ritalin LA (long acting), Vyvanse, Desoxyn and Attenade.
Vyvanse is one of the most recent stimulants to hit the market. It is a long acting formula of amphetamine, whose effect lasts 14 hour, with less abuse potential. Less potential for abuse is designed in the drug. Vyvanse must be ingested orally, preventing alternative routes of administration. The drug’s generic name is lisdexamphetamine because it contains an amino acid known as lysine attached to amphetamine. Other newer stimulants are Metadate CD, Focalin and Concerta. Focalin is an enhanced form of Ritalin (one of the original medicines used to treat ADD/ADHD) that releases throughout the day.
Clinical guidelines suggest that patients begin treatment for ADD/ADHD with a stimulant and behavioral therapy. Some people are uncomfortable with stimulants. Fortunately, a nonstimulant known as Strattera is on the market. Strattera also increases the concentration of neurotransmission in the brain albeit in a different way. Another drug in this class is known as Intuniv.
A product known as Synaptol is heavily marketed across the internet for ADD/ADHD. This homeopathic medicine is an alternative way to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. The process of making a homeopathic remedy involves taking an initial substance that is believed to treat symptoms of the ailment and diluting it. The essence or presence of what used to be the original substance is believed to be retained in some manner. The final highly diluted form of the original substance is then used to treat a patient. The practice of homeopathy originated in Germany.
A fourth class of medicine used for the treatment of ADD/ADHD is used off label. Effexor, Wellbutrin and Pamelor are typically used to treat depression; however, these drugs also work on symptoms in those with ADD/ADHD. When a drug is used for symptoms not that is not originally approved to treat, it is then being used off label which is legal. Another drug used off label for ADD/ADHD is the antihypertensive drug called Catapres.