What Parents Need to Know About ADHD Medications

For many years, using medication to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity in children with ADHD was the main treatment option. Today, we have many options to choose from, but medications are still a top choice. It can be difficult to make decisions about medications, but doing your own research and understanding all of your options can help. The first thing to understand is what an ADHD medicine can and cannot do, this allows you to predict a realistic outcome.

ADHD medicines can:

  • Improve concentration
  • Help control impulses
  • Help plan for future events
  • Improve task completion

ADHD medicines cannot:

  • Cure ADHD
  • Solve emotional problems
  • Increase memory
  • Enhance social skills

Each child will react differently to medications, so it’s important to have a doctor closely monitor all use. It may take several weeks or months to find the medicine that is safe and most effective for your child.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are the most common type of medication prescribed for children who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They have been used for many years and there is a significant amount of research to prove their effectiveness. Stimulants work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many children, these medications increase their ability to focus and concentrate while decreasing impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Long-Acting Stimulants

Long-acting stimulants generally stay effective for 8-12 hours. This allows the child to only have one dose of medicine a day. This one dose helps children to focus all day long (usually during school) and into the evening (which can help with homework, chores, etc.) at home. Here are the most common types of long-acting stimulants:

  • Vyvanse
  • Adderall XR
  • Ritalin LA
  • Concerta
  • Daytrana
  • Focalin XR
  • Metadate CD

Short/Intermediate-Acting Stimulants

Short-acting stimulants usually have the same effect as long-acting stimulants, except they require more doses throughout the day. Previously, these were the only types of medicines available, and, therefore, have the longest history of use. Now that long-acting stimulants are becoming more popular, families have a choice. Short-acting stimulants that are available are:

  • Ritalin
  • Ritalin SR
  • Methylin Chewable Tablet and Oral Solution
  • Metadate ER
  • Methylin ER
  • Focalin
  • Dexedrine
  • Dextrostat
  • Adderall
  • Adderall (generic)
  • Dexedrine spansules

Side Effects of Stimulants

Reactions to stimulants vary from child to child. There are several side effects to watch out for:

  • Headache
  • Stomachache
  • Acting restless or jumpy
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Depression
  • Moodiness
  • Increased irritability
  • Tics
  • Racing heartbeat

Stimulants can trigger a change in a child’s personality, which is a concern of many parents. Some parents feel that their child has changed or has lost their “spunk”. Many times it’s just the calming effect of the medicine that is helping the child to focus, but speak with your doctor if you see a drastic change in your child’s behavior and/or personality. Danger signs in personality changes, such as becoming withdrawn, obsessive-compulsive, listless or less talkative, should be reported to your doctor. Together, you can determine if the changes are helping your child or if there needs to be an adjustment made to the medication or the dosage.

Non-Stimulant Medications (Strattera)

Several other medications have been used to treat symptoms of ADHD with varying levels of success. Such medicines include atypical antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, and Strattera. Strattera is the only non-stimulant approved for ADHD treatment. It works on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is believed to have offer important input into the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is responsible for the development and control of emotions, restlessness, control of attention, and blood pressure, among other functions. Strattera lasts over 24 hours making it a good option for some children. It is often used with children who are also suffering from depression or anxiety. The area where Strattera appears weakest is treating hyperactivity.

Side Effects of Non-Stimulants (Strattera)

As with all medications Strattera may also cause side effects in children and teens. These include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Increased irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain

In order to deal with these effects, it is possible to adjust the time of day a child is administered the medicine and also to take it only with food.

There are more serious risks with taking Strattera. Like Ritalin, Strattera has been known to cause suicidal thoughts in children although this has been reported only rarely. If a child appears subdued, withdrawn or has feelings or hopelessness this is a sign to visit the doctor. Liver damage has occurred in a very small percentage of children although it self-corrected when the children were taken off Strattera.

It can take up to a full month to see an improvement in ADHD children. Unlike Ritalin, Strattera doesn’t exacerbate anxiety symptoms or disorders in children. Strattera doesn’t interrupt sleep or cause sleep disorders. Since it is not a stimulant and therefore not a controlled substance, patients can phone-in further orders between doctor visits.

Deciding If ADHD Medications are the Right Choice

Making the decision to start medications can be difficult for some families. There are several factors that you should consider. Ask yourself these questions before starting medication:

  • Have we tried non-medication treatments such as self-calming, deep breathing, yoga, etc.? What has been the outcome?
  • Is your child receiving support at school to learn how to be attentive and calm?
  • Have we taken our time to really observe our child’s behavior at home and at school before deciding to use medications?
  • Which activities show your child’s behavior at it’s best? Use these details to help your doctor fully understand the problem.
  • Are there any other conditions, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, learning disabilities, or anxiety that could be causing these behaviors?

When you are sure that medication is the best treatment option for your child, find a doctor that is experienced with ADHD children who will be able to offer the best support. Ask about their experience and what treatments they typically recommend. Find out all that you can about a medication before you begin administering it to your child.

Research and reflection will allow you to understand your options and how they best fit into your situation. You will feel confident about your decisions and your child will get the help needed to be successful.