Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Medications

Medications

Medications are used to help control the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

Most often, stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. These medications are effective for people of all ages, although more research is needed on how adults respond. In general, stimulant medications improve symptoms in about 70% of people who have ADHD.⁷ There are often quick and dramatic improvements in behavior.

Other types of medications may be used to treat ADHD.

• Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant medication for ADHD.
• Antihypertensives, designed to treat high blood pressure, can also help control aggressive and impulsive behaviors in some people.
• Antidepressants may be needed if psychostimulants do not improve symptoms.

Medication may be needed to treat other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, that often occur along with ADHD.

If you are giving your child medication for ADHD, it is important to make sure it is taken consistently. In addition, you will need to regularly monitor the effects of the medication and communicate closely with your child's health professional.

For more information, see:

Should my child take medications for ADHD?

Medication Choices

The following medications are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):

• Stimulants, such as Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD, Focalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Daytrana
• Atomoxetine (Strattera), an approved nonstimulant medication for children, teens, and adults with ADHD

The following medications are sometimes tried if symptoms persist after initial treatment with one of the above medications. These medications are usually not used in younger children.

• Antihypertensives, such as Catapres and Tenex, which may be used to treat aggression and impulsivity not controlled by ADHD medications
• Antidepressants, such as bupropion (for example, Wellbutrin)

FDA Advisories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued:

• An advisory on Strattera. It suggests parents and other caregivers closely watch for warning signs of suicide in children and teens taking this medicine.¹⁴
• An advisory on antidepressants to closely monitor adults, teens, and children taking this medicine for warning signs of suicide.

The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines, but to watch for warning signs of suicide in those using them.

What To Think About

All of a child's behavior problems may not be controlled by medication for ADHD. The child may still have a higher level of some behavior problems than other children the same age. In addition, it has not been established that medication improves the long-term educational, occupational, and social functioning of a person who has ADHD.

New longer-acting medications allow many people to take one pill a day for their ADHD symptoms, avoiding the multiple dosages that were once standard.

Although short-term studies have shown stimulant medications are safe, long-term effects have not been studied. In a recent 2-year study, children who took stimulant medication grew almost 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) per year slower than those children not on medication. The study followed 540 youngsters with ADHD who were ages 7 to 9 at the outset of the study. More studies are needed to determine whether growth is affected at other ages (younger than age 7, older than age 9) or whether children taking these medications might catch up over a period of time.⁹ As with any medication, parents should balance the benefits their child might receive from these medications with any potential risks.

Most medications to treat ADHD are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children age 3 and older. However, there are few studies on the use of ADHD medication for children age 5 and younger. Most health professionals do not prescribe medications for a child with ADHD symptoms until he or she starts school. Younger children are more likely to have side effects from medications. However, they may be prescribed for younger children when symptoms severely affect a child's behavior and quality of life.

Some medications used to treat ADHD (such as stimulants) can be abused. Make sure your child knows not to sell or give medication to other people. An adult should supervise the medication.