Overview of Medications to Treat ADHD

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you have probably been told about using medication as part of your child's treatment. As a parent, it is important that you are informed about the different types of medication. Below is some brief information about medications used to treat ADHD. For more information, talk with your child's doctor.

Two types of medications can be used to treat symptoms of ADHD. They include:

• Stimulant medications
• Non-stimulant medications

What are examples of stimulant medications?

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Quillivant)
• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderal)

How effective are stimulant medications at reducing symptoms of ADHD?

• Stimulants have been used since the 1930's to treat attention problems.
• Stimulants are one of the most well studied medicines used for children. Hundreds of studies show that they are highly effective at treating the main symptoms of ADHD.
• Nine out of ten children with ADHD will benefit from a stimulant medication. However, it is important to find the right medication for your child. Finding the right medication and the right dosage is a process.
• Children need to take stimulants for about a week to see if they work.

What are common side effects of stimulant medication?

• Appetite loss
• Abdominal Pain
• Headaches
• Sleep problems
• Jitteriness (i.e. feeling shaky)
• Other rarer side effects, such as tics, may also occur

What are examples of non-stimulant medications?

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)
• Guanfacine
• Clonidine

How effective are non-stimulants at reducing symptoms of ADHD?

• The non-stimulants listed above have been approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD because of studies proving their effectiveness.
• Compared to stimulants, non-stimulants are newer medications for treating ADHD. Because they are newer, there is less research documenting effectiveness and side effects.
• Stimulants appear to be more effective at treating ADHD than non-stimulants. Some children, however, respond to non-stimulants and not stimulants or cannot take stimulants.
• Children need to take the non-stimulant drug Atomoxetine (Strattera) for 5 or 6 week to determine if it is effective.

What are common side effects of non-stimulant medication?

For guanfacine (e.g.,Intunive) and clonidine(e.g., Kapvay):

• Drowsiness, sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Constipation

For atomoxitine (Stratterra):

• Decreased appetite
• Stomachache
• Rare side effects, like increases in suicidal thoughts and serious liver disease, could also occur

How are Medications Taken?

• Medications can be taken in different forms including:
• pills
• patches
• powders
• liquid
• capsules
• Many ADHD medications come in short-lasting or long-lasting forms.
• Short-lasting medications may be used if help is only needed for part of the day, such as during school.
• Long-lasting forms have the benefit of only being taken once during the day.

Should My Child Take Medication?

• Only you can decide if medication is right for your child.
• Children should also get a say in their treatment. Ask your child how he feels about taking medication.
• Your child's doctor is the best source of information about the benefits and side effects of using medications.
• Ask your child's doctor many questions about medication before you make a decision.
• If your child is preschool-aged (under the age of 6), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends trying stimulant medications only after trying behavioral therapy.
• Non-stimulants are never recommended to treat ADHD in preschool-aged children (children under the age of 6).

What is a placebo trial?

• If you have decided to try medication to treat your child's ADHD, your doctor may have recommended doing a placebo dose finding trial.
• A placebo trial helps to determine if medication will help your child and what dosage of medication would be best.
• A placebo trial usually takes three weeks. During one week, your child will take a low dose of the medicine. During another week he will take a higher dose of the medicine. During another, your child will take sugar pills. During the trial, you will not know which week is which. Often this pattern is repeated for another three weeks - six weeks altogether.
• Each week your doctor will ask for your feedback and your child's teachers' feedback.
• From this trial, you will be able to know for sure whether the medicine actually helps your child.

Remember, the decision to try medication to help treat your child's ADHD should be made with your child's doctor. If your child begins taking medication, he should be monitored by a doctor. You should take your child to doctor appointments regularly. Monitor your child's medication closely. If at any time you have questions about your child's medication, do not be afraid to ask your child's doctor.

Sources:

National Institute of Mental Health, What Medications are Used to Treat ADHD, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/what-medications-are-used-to-treat-adhd.shtml

American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011, ADHD: Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents