Medications for ADHD Children

There are a wide variety of medications available for ADHD children. Stimulants come in short and long term. If stimulants are not effective, anti-depressants are the next choice for medication. Stimulant medications do not depend on body weight for dosage; a 5-year-old may be on the same dosage as a 12-year-old. Dosage is determined by trial and error. Changes in behavior should be discussed with the prescribing doctor. A modification to the dosage may soon be needed.

Short Acting

• Drugs that last 4 to 8 hours are considered short or intermediate acting drugs. These types of medication may need to be taken several times per day to provide treatment for an entire school day. Ritalin and Adderall are the most common choices. Other medications include Metadate ER, Methylin ER, Dexedrine and Dextrostat. Each of these medications will have their own side effects, and all medications should be monitored closely. Changes in dosage can reduce unwanted side effects.

Long Acting

• Long-acting stimulants will dispense a dosage for 12 hours. These medications will need to be taken only once per day. This eliminates the need for medication at school. In fact, they will still be effective after school when the student is trying to complete homework. Vyvanse, Adderall XR, Concerta, Daytrana and Ritalin LA are all long-acting stimulant medications. All of these medications are in pill form. If the child is unable to swallow pills, he may need to use short-term medications that can be chewed.

Side Effects

• The side effects to stimulant medications include a decreased appetite, headaches, stomachaches and trouble getting to sleep. Ensure adequate nutrition at all meals if appetite is decreased. Take the medication with food if stomachaches are a problem. Treat headaches with over-the-counter medication as needed. The addition of melatonin in the evening may reduce problems with falling asleep. Melatonin is a natural sleep aid available over the counter. Consider changing dosage or medication if symptoms are severe or interfere with normal activities.

Other Treatments

• Some children do not tolerate stimulants. Strattera is a non-stimulant alternative that is effective particularly with children who have some anxiety. Other medications that may be tried are Wellbutrin or Clonidine. When coexisting conditions are present, review all options carefully. Behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy may also be used to improve behavior at school and at home.

Warning

• Track changes in behavior carefully. Change dosages and medications if one does not provide effective treatment. Contact a medical professional if a sudden change in personality occurs; some of these medications can cause a change in brain chemistry in some children with coexisting conditions such as autism or aspergers.