Probably the most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD is Methylphenidate, better known by its brand name, Ritalin. Ritalin is a stimulant medication. Before my own diagnosis of ADHD, I had the misconception that Ritalin was like a tranquilizer; after all, it slowed those hyperactive kids down, didn't it? But instead of a tranquilizer, those with ADHD need a stimulant. It is unclear exactly how the stimulants work, but it is thought that they stimulate the part of the brain that affects attention. This causes the individual to be able to focus their attention better, and to reduce distractibility, overactivity and impulsivity. When the individual can focus their attention by having stimulation to the brain, he also slows down physically because the need to create outside stimulation is no longer there.
Other stimulants used for the treatment of ADHD are Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), Pemoline (Cylert) and Adderal. All of these medications stimulate the brain, but they do so in slightly different ways. Because of this, individuals can find that one stimulant may not work for them while another stimulant works well. With the treatment of ADHD, the individual must work with his doctor to find the correct medication and also the correct dosage of that medication.
All of the stimulants have similar side effects. The most common are lack of appetite and irregular sleep patterns. Stomachaches and headaches are sometimes experienced also. Increase in blood pressure can occur because the cardiovascular system is also stimulated, so when taking a stimulant, your doctor will want to check your blood pressure periodically. A rebound effect where symptoms return even stronger than before taking the drug can occur when the drug wears off.
Some worry about taking stimulant medications because of the chance of addiction. We've all heard about people who have been addicted to "speed" or "uppers." Due to the low dosage needed to treat ADHD, there is little chance of addiction.
There has been some concern that Ritalin and other stimulant medications may cause tics such as those found in Tourette's Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes one to have muscular or vocal tics. However, it has been found that many children with Tourette's also have ADHD and the ADHD is generally diagnosed first because the age of onset for Tourette's Syndrome is later. Dr. John E. Huxsahl, a Mayo Clinic specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, was quoted in the Mayo Clinic Health Oasis Newsletter, as saying,
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