How to Choose the Right ADHD Medications

If you or your child suffers from ADHD, there are a variety of medications available to treat the condition. Choosing the right ADHD medications involves a combination of medical advice, consideration of personal needs and trial and error. With proper consultation with your physician, you can choose an ADHD treatment program that will work for you or your child.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose a stimulant. Stimulants work to balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain for ADHD patients. They reduce the inattentiveness and hyperactivity that are common symptoms for this condition. A variety of stimulants can be used to treat ADHD, including Ritalin, Vyvanse and Adderall. Each medication comes with different dosages, so you should consider how often you can administer this medication (for example, will your child be able to take medicine during school hours if needed?). Some stimulants only come in pill form, which can be difficult for young children to take. One medication (Daytrana) comes in a patch but is only approved for children aged from 6 to 12. Side effects of these stimulants include lack of appetite, irritability and insomnia. You may have to experiment with one or more stimulants before you find one in a proper dose that improves your child's ADHD symptoms without serious interference from side effects.

• 2

  Choose nonstimulants. Some children take stimulants without success, and others experience significant side effects. For these children, the stimulant medication Strattera may be beneficial. Strattera can improve ADHD symptoms as well as anxiety, which may benefit some children in more ways than one. Nausea and sedation are two common side effects of Strattera, which can result in weight loss or decreased appetite. In rare cases, liver problems can arise as a result of using this medication.

• 3

  Consider antidepressants. Often, children with ADHD also suffer from mood disorders; in these cases, an antidepressant can help. Some children who do not respond to stimulants or Strattera may also need antidepressants to treat their ADHD symptoms. However, in 2004, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that children who take antidepressants may be at an increased risk for suicidal tendencies (Nemours Foundation). Discuss these risks with your child's pediatrician.

• 4

  Choose a high-blood-pressure drug. Clonidine and guanfacine are used to treat high blood pressure and ADHD; they work to relieve symptoms of insomnia and aggression in some ADHD patients. Your child may need one of these medications to help him sleep at night.