Stimulant Medications

Stimulant medication helps the brain to better regulate the manufacture, storage and flow of its own neurotransmitters. Stimulant medications have been administered to children with ADD symptoms since 1937. According to the NADDA, the largest body of research that exists for any medication for pediatric use is for stimulant medications. The three most commonly used stimulant medications are:

Ritalin
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is the most commonly prescribed of the psycho-stimulant medications used for ADD. It is fast acting and starts to work within 15-20 minutes. It lasts from 3-5 hours depending on the metabolism of the person. Ritalin is water-soluble leaving no traces within the body once it has stopped providing a beneficial effect. People taking Ritalin need to re-administer the drug every 3-4 hours to maintain a therapeutic level. Ritalin is not physically addicting because of the quick absorption and depletion, and because of the generally small doses. Body weight has no bearing on the dosage although it is often used as a guideline for the trial dosage. A typical dosage ranges from 40-80mg a day, given in three to four doses.

Dexedrine and Adderall are slower releasing medications that provide a longer therapeutic effect. Though benefits vary from individual to individual, five to eight hours per dose is normal. Again, body weight is immaterial. General dosages range from 10-30mg daily, given in one or two doses.

With all three medications, the timing of the daily medication schedule can be just as important as the dosage itself in achieving positive results.

There are generally few side-effects from stimulant medications. Most common is a reduction of appetite which can be somewhat regulated by taking the medication after eating, not before. Rather than three full meals, a number of small snack meals that are high in protein and complex carbohydrates can be made available throughout the day.

For some people with ADD/ADHD, stimulant medications cause sleep difficulties. For others, the medicine helps them sleep faster and better. ADD teens may develop sleep disorders that require additional medical treatment as well as compensatory sleep (naps) whenever possible.