Patient education: Medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children (The Basics)

What do ADHD medicines do? — These medicines help children with ADHD pay attention and concentrate better. The most common medicines to treat ADHD are called "stimulants." Stimulants do not cause children to be more active or excited. Instead, these medicines help different parts of the brain work together.

Does my child need medicines for ADHD? — Some parents wonder whether their child needs medicine for ADHD. If you are wondering about this, you should discuss it with your child's doctor. Many studies show that ADHD medicines are very good at helping children with ADHD pay attention and concentrate better.

Medicines to treat ADHD — There are 2 main kinds of medicines to treat ADHD: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants work faster and cost less than nonstimulants. But some children get side effects from stimulants, so they cannot take them. Plus, children with certain medical problems should not take stimulants. Your doctor or nurse will work with you to choose the safest medicine for your child.

●Methylphenidate (sample brand names: Ritalin, Methylin) – These are stimulant medicines and are given as a tablet, capsule, or liquid. They come in different formulas that work on the body in different ways. "Short-acting" formulas are usually started with 1 dose per day. They later go up to 2 doses per day. "Long-acting" formulas are usually given as 1 dose per day. A child can also get a methylphenidate patch (brand name: Daytrana) instead of taking the medicine by mouth. The child wears the patch on their skin for up to 9 hours per day.

●Amphetamines (sample brand names: Dexedrine, Adderall, Vyvanse) – These are different types of stimulant medicines that also come as tablets, capsules, or liquids in short-acting and long-acting formulas. A child can also get an amphetamine patch (brand name: Xelstrym) instead of taking the medicine by mouth. The child wears the patch on their skin for 9 to 12 hours per day.

●Atomoxetine (brand name: Strattera) – This is a nonstimulant medicine that a child can take if they should not take stimulants. Atomoxetine comes as a capsule that is usually taken 1 or 2 times per day.

How soon will I notice a change in my child's behavior? — Many stimulants start to work in 30 to 40 minutes. But doctors often start children on a low dose, which might be too small to make a difference in your child's behavior. Your child's nurse or doctor will tell you if you should give your child a higher dose.

If your child takes atomoxetine, it will probably take at least 1 week before you notice changes in your child's behavior.

What if my child needs to take ADHD medicine at school? — If your child needs to take medicine at school, you should give the school nurse or staff member a separate bottle of your child's medicine. That way, they can give your child a dose at the right time. Do not let your child keep the medicine in their school bag or desk.

What if my child has side effects? — Some of the most common side effects include:

●Not feeling hungry

●Trouble sleeping

●Weight loss

Most of these side effects are mild and go away after a few weeks. Some can be avoided by changing the way the medicine is given. Rarely, ADHD medicines can have more serious side effects. Your child's doctor or nurse will discuss these with you before your child starts the medicine.

For more detailed information about your medicines, ask your doctor or nurse for the patient handout from Lexicomp available through UpToDate. It explains how to use each medicine, describes its possible side effects, and lists other medicines or foods that can affect how it works.

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