ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder treated in children. It affects from 5% to 9% percent of school-age children: At least 70% will continue to have the disorder into adolescence. About half will still have the disorder as adults. With age, the hyperactivity and impulsivity tend to diminish; however, the attentional problems tend to persist.
Medication is considered one of the most important treatments for ADHD. One large study in children with ADHD and without other disorders demonstrated that, compared to other treatments, properly prescribed stimulants had the greatest positive effect after two years. Another study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health produced similar results, showing that medications were superior to behavioral treatments alone for the core symptoms of ADHD. That study also found that behavioral treatment along with medication was the most effective way to address some of the noncore symptoms (self-esteem, peer relationships, family functioning, and social skills). The current FDA approved medications for children include stimulants and nonstimulant medications.
Medications Primer
Stimulant Medications
These are the best-studied class of drugs for ADHD, and in many cases are the medication of choice. They generally work immediately when the correct dose is achieved. Although it is not common for children to develop a tolerance to these drugs, children may need increasing doses as they grow. Practitioners have found that if one stimulant is unsuccessful, it is worth trying another.
Generic Name
Methylphenidate
Brand Name
Ritalin
Ritalin LA (extended-release)
Daytrana (patch) (extended-release)
Metadate (CD) (extended-release)
Focalin (XR) (extended-release)
Concerta (extended-release)
Amphetamine
Adderall
Adderall XR (extended-release)
Dextroamphetamine
Dexedrine
Vyvanse (extended-release)
Nonstimulant Medications
Noradrenergic agents
If your child cannot tolerate the stimulants or has prominent anxiety or tics, Strattera should be considered. Strattera may take a few weeks to achieve its full benefit and is sometimes used with stimulants.
Generic Name
Atomoxetine
Brand Name
Strattera
Antihypertensives
For children as young as 3 to 5, in aggressive or particularly overactive kids, and for ADHD in general, the blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) may be useful. These drugs may also help with sleep problems that sometimes plague children with ADHD or that result from its treatment, such as the use of Concerta or Adderall.
Generic Name
Clonadine
Guanfacine
Guanfacine
Brand Name
Catapres
Tenex
Intuniv (extended release)
Antidepressants
Second-line treatments include the antidepressants. Although you may see an effect immediately, antidepressants may take up to four weeks to reach full effectiveness. As with the stimulants, if one is not effective, your child’s doctor would be wise to try another. Because an overdose of tricyclic antidepressants can be lethal, you must carefully store the medication so it is inaccessible to all children in your family.
Antidepressants (atypical)
Generic Name
Bupropion
Brand Name
Wellbutrin
Antidepressants (tricyclics)
Generic Name
Desipramine
Imipramine
Nortriptyline
Wake-promoting agents
Modafinil
Brand Name
Norpramin
Pertofrane
Tofranil
Pamelor
Provigil
Vivactyl
Another second-line treatment includes the wake promoting agent, Provigil (modafinil). While shown effective in trials, concerns about a serious skin rash have limited its use. Modafinil may be useful in poorly motivated youth and those with difficulties in the arousal of their attention.
- By learning everything you can about your child’s disorder, the accepted treatments, and specifically the medications used, you can be an active partner in your child’s treatment rather than a passive and helpless bystander.
- Keep a detailed record of your child’s treatment history including a separate page that lists medication trials. Use a medication log with information on each medication tried: when, at what dose, and what happened—whether it worked as expected and whether it produced any side effects.
- You might find yourself becoming a sort of “team coordinator” for your child’s health care providers. You should sign releases allowing communication between or among caregivers.
- Don’t be afraid to ask a prospective health care provider about his or her credentials or experience, and be wary of one who gets irritated by your questions.
This information is excerpted from Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medications for Kids by Timothy E. Wilens (3rd Edition). For more information or to order a copy, please visit www.guilford.com or amazon.com. Dr. Wilens is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Substance Abuse Services in the Pediatric Psychopharmacology Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital.