Prescription medicine for ADHD has been around for a number of years now, since the introduction of Ritalin. They are effective in varying degrees about 80% of the time. While their effectiveness is undisputed they do come with a long list of side effects which has lead many doctors and parents alike to seek out alternative treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

For the most part all prescription medicines for ADHD attempt to balance and improve neurotransmitter activity in the brain. There are three primary brain chemical neurotransmitters at work; they are norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Generally norepinephrine and dopamine receive the most attention and are the two that most prescription medicine for ADHD target.

Without a doubt the most widely prescribed type of treatment for ADHD fall under the umbrella of stimulant medications. The most often prescribed stimulants are Ritalin, Adderall, and Cylert. All of these drugs work to increase the activity of dopamine and by doing so may help raise the level of brain activity in areas of the brain that control attention and impulse control.

Another type of prescription medicine for ADHD is the non-stimulant variety which includes the drug, Strattera. Strattera or its generic version atomoxetine is often prescribed when attention deficit disorder co exists with other disorders. Where as stimulant place their primary focus on dopamine non stimulants focus on boosting norepinephrine levels. Strattera generally has fewer side effects but increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some children and teens.

Certain off label medications such as those for high blood pressure are sometimes used. Medications such as Catapres (clonidine) are occasionally prescribed in cases where Tourette's Syndrome is present. They seem to be effective in controlling aggression, hyperactivity, and impulsivity but have little if any affect on the primary symptom of inattention.

Certainly the question that is always foremost on parent's minds is the one concerning dangerous side effects. The list of side effects is long and includes loss of appetite, depression, a racing heartbeat, sleeplessness, tics, and the feeling of restlessness just to name a few. While most experts believe the side effect risks are real they also believe the frequency is minute. Nevertheless, if you are the parent of that one child that has an adverse reaction the once obscure risks all of the sudden become very real.

In summary, many children have achieved great success in overcoming inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity through the implementation of prescription medicine for ADHD but for others the risk of serious side effects is far too real. For this reason many parents are choosing to adopt alternative treatments such as behavioral therapy or all natural homeopathic remedies for ADHD. ADHD alternative treatment methods will deliver powerful, long-term results. Rather than putting your child's health in jeopardy by giving them potent prescription drugs, try alternative ADHD therapy so you can help your child live a productive, symptom-free life safely and naturally.