Medications to Treat ADD

When a child is diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), it's common for parents to be full of questions. One of the most difficult questions to answer is whether to use medications to treat the child. While it is well-known that medications can be effective in treating ADD, many parents are confused about which one will work the best while causing the fewest side effects.

Deciding to Medicate

• You should make the decision to medicate your ADD child after discussing the issue with his doctor. Most children with ADD do benefit from being treated with medication. Your child's doctor will be able to suggest the right medication based on your child's unique situation, personality and severity of symptoms.

Types of Medications

• The most common type of ADD medication is methylphenidate drugs, which are stimulants. This includes medications like Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin. Although it may seem counterproductive to prescribe stimulants to treat hyperactivity and inattention, stimulant medications work to keep the ADD brain focused and attentive.

  Other stimulants that are used to treat ADD are classified as amphetamines. These include Dextrostat, Adderall and Vyvanse, among others. Methylphenidates and amphetamines work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These medications are known to be habit-forming in adults but usually not in children. Still, some ADD medications have earned black-box warnings from the FDA. This means that the packaging warns of potentially dangerous side effects. Currently, these medications include Adderall, Concerta, Daytrana, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin and Strattera.

  Nonstimulant drugs can also be used in the treatment of ADD. Certain antidepressant drugs such as Wellbutrin and Norpramin have also been used, though their efficacy is still being studied.

Finding the Right Medication

• No one ADD medication works for everyone. It's highly likely that your child and her doctor will try several medications before finding the right one. During the trial period of any new drug, it is important to observe your child's behavior to ensure that you notice any potential side effects before they become a problem.

Safety

• The medications prescribed by doctors to treat ADD have been extensively studied for safety and efficacy. Still, some parents worry that their children will suffer from side effects. While it's true that these medications often do come along with side effects (such as insomnia, loss of appetite and headache or dizziness), the benefits can outweigh the risks. The greatest safety risk lies in the potential for abuse of ADD drugs: Ritalin, Concerta and other ADD drugs are often taken in high doses to mimic the effects of cocaine. With effective parental control of the medications, this risk is minimal for children.

The Other Pieces of the Puzzle

• Medication is only one part of an ADD treatment plan. The most effective way to treat the condition is with a combination of medication, regular appointments with a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist, and accommodations in the classroom. With a comprehensive treatment plan and cooperation at home and at school, the prognosis for children with ADD is very positive. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have and work with him to develop a treatment plan that's right for your child.