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Prescription Drugs Used to Treat ADD

There has been a great debate brewing about the safety of the prescription medications used to treat ADD. There are some parents who swear by them and others who swear they will never place their child on them again. The only way to know what is right for your child is to know what drugs are available. While your doctor may have his own suggestions, it is up to you to ask questions and ensure your child is receiving the best treatment possible.

  1. Function

    • The prescription medications used to treat ADD are generally stimulants that increase the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. One messenger controls the formation of the child's memory and prevents addictive tendencies from developing, while the other helps increase their level of attentiveness, allowing him to focus and listen.

    Adderall

    • This drug is used in children age 3 and older. Each dose lasts about 6 hours and it has less withdrawal symptoms than some other medications used in the treatment of ADD.

    Concerta

    • While still a stimulant, its side effects are not as harsh and the withdrawal symptoms are easier on the child. Each dose lasts for 12 hours. If the dose is too high, the tablet can be cut in half to control it; this is for children age 6 and older.

    Daytrana

    • This is a patch worn on the hips of children between the ages of 6 to 12 for a period of 6 hours. The effects of the medication last for another 3 hours.

    Ritalin

    • The original Ritalin lasted for a period of 6 hours; however, it is now available in an extended and long acting form. It can be used in children over 6 years of age. Although it remains the first drug of choice among doctors, its side effects are more harsh than other medications used to treat ADD.

    Strattera

    • This is a prescription drug that is not a stimulant, meaning its side effects are minimal. It is taken once or twice a day and the dosage is gradually increased. This gradual increase means that it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the medication to reach therapeutic levels.

    Considerations

    • You may need to change medications more than once before you find one that meets your child's medical needs without sacrificing her well-being. If you find after the second or third medication that you are not comfortable with medicating your child to treat her condition, consider alternative treatment methods that do not include prescription medication.

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