There are quite a few ADHD medications that are commonly prescribed for ADHD sufferers, both adults and children who diagnosed with ADHD. Every ADHD patient's reaction to ADHD medications varies. There is no single ADHD medication said to be able to treat all patients suffering with ADHD. A sufferer diagnosed with ADHD will need to try several ADHD treatments to judge which one works the best in reducing his symptoms of ADHD. With the correct ADHD medication, patients are able to manage their ADHD symptoms and continue to live their normal lives.

Sufferers diagnosed with ADHD are first prescribed stimulants. These ADHD Medications stimulate and increase activity in the brain – usually focusing on controlling focus, impulse and attention. Stimulants have been proven to help ADHD patients regain self-control and focus on finishing routines. However, the same ADHD medications have been found to cause no improvement on ADHD sufferers in terms of their social and academic skills. If stimulants fail to work on ADHD sufferers, antidepressants and Atomoxetine may be given next. If an ADHD patient does not respond to at least two treatments of stimulants, Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant ADHD medication, is then prescribed.

Like other treatments, ADHD treatments have side effects. The side effects of ADHD medication can range from mild to severe, and they largely dependant on an ADHD patient's personal or family health history. ADHD treatments may have side effects on patients that have a heart condition or a family history of heart problems. Adderall, Concerta and Dexedrine are a few ADHD treatments that may have potential risk for heart attacks and cardiovascular problems. In some kids, ADHD treatments may cause them to lose their appetite, have sleep disturbances and develop nervousness. In very rare situations, ADHD patients who take certain stimulants may develop tics, moodiness and psychosis.

Methylphenidate and amphetamines are the usual ingredients in ADHD stimulant treatments. ADHD stimulant medications that has methylphenidate are more preferred since they are found to have fewer side effects. ADHD stimulant treatments containing methylphenidate are available in short-acting, medium-acting and long-acting durations. ADHD patients who do not respond to an ADHD stimulant medication that contains methylphenidate are prescribed an ADHD stimulant medication containing amphetamines, such as Dexedrine and Dextrostate, which last up to 6 hours, or Adderall, which come in medium- and long-acting durations.

ADHD is a condition that to date still has no cure. However, with the correct ADHD medication, individuals diagnosed with ADHD can properly manage the symptoms of ADHD. Care must be taken by experts before giving ADHD treatments as each has side effects. ADHD treatments are not designed to treat the causes of ADHD. It is advisable that patients undergo behavioral therapy or some form of counseling in order to pinpoint the underlying causes of ADHD before they start taking ADHD medications.