The most common and, for awhile, considered the most effective medication type for treating Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is with the use of a stimulant medication. Some of the most common stimulants prescribed for patients today are Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta. While these medications have proven very effective for ADD/ADHD treatment, some doctors are hesitant to prescribe them (and some patients reluctant to take) due to certain side effects and potential risks. Not only can the stimulant medications cause insomnia and loss of appetite but the drugs can be potentially habit forming and addictive, as they are controlled substances.
Fortunately, though, time and extensive research have allowed for alternatives to treatment with stimulants for ADD or ADHD. A few of them are explored in brief, below.
Provigil (Modafanil)
Provigil is a medication manufactured by Cephalon that as originally designed to address certain sleep disorders. Sleeping disorders like Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS), Narcolepsy and Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) can disturb one’s proper nights sleep and result in excessive sleepiness throughout the day or other times when the individuals should otherwise be functioning normally. Provigil has proven extremely effective in helping patients stay awake at necessary times so that they are able to carry on efficiently with their days’ routine schedules. Provigil also has been shown to improve the symptoms of ADD/ADHD to a remarkable extent. Doctors are prescribing it for those patients with attention problems quite often now, and with much success. Positive results have been documented in ADD/ADHD patients taking Provigil alone for the disorder in addition to those taking it along with the traditional stimulant (Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, etc). Provigil helps patients stay alert and focused, mimicking the effects of the Ritalin-esque group of drugs without such a high risk of dependency and fewer (or possibly less aggravating) side effects. There is only one problem with prescribing Provigil for patients with Attention Deficit Disorders: Insurance coverage. Even though numerous clinical trials have proven Provigil effective for these disorders, the drug has not been officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for Attention Deficit unless of course there is a true incidence of excessive sleepiness. So unfortunately, while doctors are encouraging patients to give the traditional stimulant alternative a try, many people understandably either refuse it outright or just never end up getting their prescription filled once they find out that insurance wont pay. Unless the doctor writes the script specifically for a sleep disorder, most patients will be stuck paying out of pocket, which can be as high as about $75 for seven 200mg pills, depending on the pharmacy. Don’t let this completely daunt you though just yet. For, Provigil makers, Cephalon, offer reimbursement programs for patients who need help paying for the medication and some doctors have access to unlimited coupons, each for seven days worth of free pills. And then, finally, plans are definitely in the works to get the drug accepted as a medicine for ADD/ADHD so hopefully soon it will be more feasible alternative.
Strattera (atomoxetine)
Some professionals, and many parents of children who suffer from ADD/ADHD, consider Strattera to be a breakthrough medicine for treating the disorder; especially those who are not in favor of stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta. While Strattera is not exactly the first non-stimulant drug found to help ease symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder, many consider it to be the best option among them so far. Apparently the medication works by allowing more norepinephrine into the brain, which helps to control concentration problems and greatly curbs impulsive behaviors or hyperactivity. Strattera can be prescribed on its own or in addition to the traditional stimulants or other medications thought to help with Attention Deficit Disorder. Individuals who decide to try Strattera to ease their ADD/ADHD symptoms, though, need to follow their doctor’s instructions to a tee and pay extra special attention to any major changes in mood. Just as all medications have their weaknesses, or supposed side effects, so too does Strattera, and the most popular warning going along with this one is pretty much a worst case scenario. Studies have unfortunately found that despite Strattera’s general success in treating Attention Deficit Disorder in adults and children, a tendency toward suicidal thoughts may also occur. And even though many argue that the incidence of this side effect are fairly infrequent, it is definitely a potential reaction that is worth keeping your eye out for.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant in the class known as dopamine reuptake blocking compounds. It has also been proven a fairly effective treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD. The medication is a stimulant and sets itself apart from many of the other antidepressants on the market due to its major effect on the brain’s dopamine. Also, in addition to increasing Dopamine, Wellbutrin also raises the levels of the patient’s Serotonin and Norepinephrine, two other neurotransmitters that have been found to be important factors in controlling mood and attention issues such as concentration and focus. Just as is the case with most of the antidepressant medications available, the results of treatment with Wellbutrin vary from person to person. Unfortunately a lot of the time it is all about trial and error. Additionally, according to individual, voluntary patient reports, there seems to be a contradictory side effect caused by Wellbutrin: Some people find the medication makes them very tired and others find that it keeps them from getting to sleep at a proper time each night. And so it is the same story with effectiveness, just as is the case in many medications. Hit or miss. For some, it works, for others it doesn’t. But at least you should take the time to keep up to date on the latest options for treating this disorder and as new ones arise, as they surely will, ask your doctor about them. Hopefully, in time, you will be able to find a medication, or combination of drugs that work best for you.
