Medicine for Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is often diagnosed as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. It is an ongoing condition that usually begins in childhood and lasts through adulthood, according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. Medication is the standard treatment for controlling the symptoms of ADHD.

Symptoms

• A hyperactive child may have difficulty waiting his turn, talk excessively, fidget, interrupt others, get out of his seat and run around inappropriately or have difficulty playing quietly.

Stimulant Medications

• For reasons unknown to scientists, stimulants have an opposite effect on those with ADHD and are the most often prescribed medication according to the Mayo Clinic. These include Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine.

Side Effects of Stimulants

• The most common side effects are decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, weight loss and irritability when the medicine begins to wear off. They may also slow down the growth rate in children.

Heart Problems

• In rare cases, the use of stimulants has been linked to several heart-related fatalities in children. The American Heart Association recommends every child have an electrocardiogram (ECG) before being prescribed stimulants.

Other Medications

• Non-stimulant options include antidepressants and a blood pressure medication called Clonidin. Atomoxetine is also used in children who can't take stimulants, but it has been linked to liver disorders.