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Types of Medication Given to Children With ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that, in children, is characterized by inattention to schoolwork and other activities. The child doesn't listen when spoken to, fails to follow through on schoolwork and chores, has difficulty focusing and organizing activities, loses things, is easily distracted and forgetful, fidgets, talks too much and interrupts others. Initially, Ritalin was the most commonly prescribed medication for children diagnosed with ADHD. In recent years, more medications have been approved for this purpose, giving pediatricians and parents a wider choice of treatments.

  1. Stimulants

    • The most common ADHD medications are stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, at least 80 percent of children administered stimulants will respond to the first or second stimulant administered. Stimulants consist of various formulations of methylphenidate and amphetamine. They are available in short-term, intermediate and long-acting forms.

      While stimulants seem an unlikely treatment for children who already appear over stimulated, these drugs appear to have the opposite effect on ADHD patients. They are believed to work by increasing levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to movement and attention, in the brain. The stimulants work by correcting the biochemical condition that interferes with impulse control, focus and attention.

    Short-Term and Intermediate Stimulants

    • The short-term and intermediate-term stimulants must be taken two or three times a day. The older short-term and intermediate stimulant medications include Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Methlyn Chewable, Focalin, Dexedrine and Adderall. Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine are available in generic form that is less expensive than the other stimulant medications.

    Long Lasting Stimulants

    • The long-lasting stimulants can last from eight to 12 hours and are especially convenient for children who are unable to take medication while they are at school. Long lasting ADHD medications include Vyvanse, Adderall XR, Concerta, Focalin XR, Metadate CD and Ritalin LA.

      Adderall XR and Focalin XR are extended release forms of Adderall and Focalin, respectively, and Concerta is a sustained-release form of Ritalin. Adderall XR and Concerta are only approved for children over age 6. Ritalin LA is a long-acting dosage of Ritalin that comes in capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food.

      Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a recent addition to the list of medications offering consistent symptom control throughout the day.

      Daytrana is Ritalin in the form of a patch for children who don't like to, or who are unable to, take other forms of medication. The child wears the patch on his hip for up to nine hours at a time.

    Side Effects

    • Stimulants can have such side effects as insomnia, dizziness, depression, loss of appetite, jitteriness and headaches and can usually be alleviated by adjusting the dosage, changing to a different medication, or by changing the time of day at which the medication is administered.

    Antidepressants

    • If children don't respond to stimulants, a pediatrician might recommend antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants or buproprion (Wellbutrin).

    Strattera

    • Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication that raises the level of the brain chemical norepinephrin. It lasts over 24 hours, longer than the long-lasting stimulant drugs. However, it has not been proven as effective as the stimulant drugs in treating the hyperactivity associated with ADHD, and the manufacturer's warning label notes that the drug may cause suicidal thoughts and actions in some children and teens.

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