ADD Medications and Drug Interactions

Once a person has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD), they may be prescribed one or more medications to help with their symptoms. ADD medications vary greatly as to their potential side effects and drug interactions. To avoid dangerous drug interactions and side effects, it is important to know the possibility for both.

To research these potential negative impacts, you must first know the class of drug prescribed. Here are some of the common ADD medications by class and some possible drug interactions and side effects.

Stimulants – Potential drug interactions include increased effect of the stimulant when also taking diuretics, impact on blood levels of blood thinners, and anti-seizure meds and a potentially dangerous interaction with MAOI antidepressants. Possible side effects of stimulants include headaches, depression, feeling jittery, dizziness, and upset stomach. Stimulants prescribed as ADD medications may include: Adderall , Concerta, Focalin, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Quillivant XR.

Non-Stimulants – The non-stimulant Strattera is being prescribed for patients who can’t tolerate the side effects of stimulant drugs. Potential drug interactions with Strattera include potentially dangerous reactions in combination with such drugs as Arava for rheumatoid arthritis, Eldepryl and Jumex for Parkinson’s disease symptoms and furazolidone for the treatment of diarrhea. This list of possible drug interactions is not exhaustive. The patient should discuss all other medications and supplements currently being used and contact their doctor before taking any other medication with Strattera. The common side effects of Strattera include sleepiness, mood swings, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Antidepressants – A third class of ADD medications includes antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Elavil and Norpramin, although they are not officially recognized by the FDA as effective in treating ADD symptoms. Potential drug interactions for this class of drugs when taken with other antidepressants, pain relievers, or sleeping medications, in particular, can be serious. The patient should carefully discuss other drugs prescribed with their doctor or pharmacist when starting to take an antidepressant for ADD.

When a patient is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and is prescribed one or more medications to help manage symptoms, it is very important that they discuss potential drug interactions with their health care providers. Doing so can help ensure that the ADD medications they are prescribed will have a positive impact on their health.

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