Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that causes a range of symptoms. Show These include: Medications can help decrease ADHD symptoms in children and adults. In fact, many drugs are available to treat ADHD. While not every person with ADHD takes the same drugs, and treatment approaches can vary between children and adults, the following list of drugs for ADHD can help you talk to your doctor about the options that are right for you. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They’re often the first course of drugs used for ADHD treatment. You might hear this class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications. They work by increasing the amounts of the hormones called dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This effect improves concentration and decreases the fatigue that’s common with ADHD. Many brand-name stimulants are now only available as generic versions, which cost less and may be preferred by some insurance companies. However, other drugs are only available as brand-name products. AmphetaminesAmphetamines are stimulants used for ADHD. They include:
They come in immediate-release (a drug that’s released into your body right away) and extended-release (a drug that’s released into your body slowly) oral forms. Brand names of these drugs include: Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)Methamphetamine is related to ephedrine and amphetamine. It also works by stimulating the CNS. It’s not known exactly how this drug works to help ADHD symptoms. Like other stimulants, methamphetamine may increase the amounts of hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. It can reduce your appetite and increase your blood pressure. This drug comes as an oral tablet taken once or twice per day. MethylphenidateMethylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This helps increase levels of these hormones. It’s also a stimulant. It comes in immediate-release, extended-release, and controlled-release oral forms. It also comes as a transdermal patch under the brand name Daytrana. Brand names include:
Dexmethylphenidate is another stimulant for ADHD that’s similar to methylphenidate. It’s available as the brand-name medication Focalin. Nonstimulants affect the brain differently than stimulants do. These drugs also affect neurotransmitters, but they don’t increase dopamine levels. In general, it takes longer to see results from these drugs than from stimulants. These drugs come in several classes. A doctor might prescribe them when stimulants aren’t safe or are ineffective. They may also prescribe them if a person wants to avoid the side effects of stimulants. Atomoxetine (Strattera)Atomoxetine (Strattera) blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain. This lets norepinephrine work longer. The drug comes as an oral form you take once or twice per day. This drug is also available as a generic. Atomoxetine has caused liver damage in a small number of people. If you have signs of liver problems while taking this drug, your doctor will check your liver function. Signs of liver problems include: Clonidine ER (Kapvay)Clonidine ER (Kapvay) is used to reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and distractibility in people with ADHD. Other forms of clonidine are used to treat high blood pressure. Because it also lowers blood pressure, people taking it for ADHD may feel lightheaded. This drug is available as a generic. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv)Guanfacine is normally prescribed for high blood pressure in adults. This drug is available as a generic, but only the time-release version and its generics are approved for use in children with ADHD. The time-release version is called Guanfacine ER (Intuniv). This drug may help with memory and behavioral problems. It may also help improve aggression and hyperactivity. Your doctor may suggest other ADHD treatments along with medications. For instance, a 2012 article said that changing your diet may alleviate some ADHD symptoms. A 2014 study found that taking omega-3 supplements may also modestly improve symptoms in children with ADHD. However, newer research has found that diet changes may not improve ADHD symptoms. Further research is needed. Talk to your doctor about your drug options as well as the alternatives, such as these natural remedies. It’s important to discuss all ADHD treatment options with your doctor to gain the best results.
Get information and support from the National Resource Center on ADHD When a child is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), parents often have concerns about which treatment is right for their child. ADHD can be managed with the right treatment. There are many treatment options, and what works best can depend on the individual child and family. To find the best options, it is recommended that parents work closely with others involved in their child’s life—healthcare providers, therapists, teachers, coaches, and other family members. Types of treatment for ADHD include
Treatment recommendations for ADHDFor children with ADHD younger than 6 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parent training in behavior management as the first line of treatment, before medication is tried. For children 6 years of age and older, the recommendations include medication and behavior therapy together — parent training in behavior management for children up to age 12 and other types of behavior therapy and training for adolescents. Schools can be part of the treatment as well. AAP recommendations also include adding behavioral classroom intervention and school supports. Learn more about how the school environment can be part of treatment. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring of whether and how much the treatment helps the child’s behavior, as well as making changes as needed along the way. To learn more about AAP recommendations for the treatment of children with ADHD, visit the Recommendations page. Behavior Therapy, Including Training for ParentsADHD affects not only a child’s ability to pay attention or sit still at school, it also affects relationships with family and other children. Children with ADHD often show behaviors that can be very disruptive to others. Behavior therapy is a treatment option that can help reduce these behaviors; it is often helpful to start behavior therapy as soon as a diagnosis is made. The goals of behavior therapy are to learn or strengthen positive behaviors and eliminate unwanted or problem behaviors. Behavior therapy for ADHD can include
These approaches can also be used together. For children who attend early childhood programs, it is usually most effective if parents and educators work together to help the child. Children younger than 6 years of ageFor young children with ADHD, behavior therapy is an important first step before trying medication because:
School-age children and adolescentsFor children ages 6 years and older, AAP recommends combining medication treatment with behavior therapy. Several types of behavior therapies are effective, including:
These approaches are often most effective if they are used together, depending on the needs of the individual child and the family. Learn more about behavior therapy Learn more about ADHD treatment and support in school Read about the evidence for effective therapies for ADHD MedicationsMedication can help children manage their ADHD symptoms in their everyday life and can help them control the behaviors that cause difficulties with family, friends, and at school. Several different types of medications are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children as young as 6 years of age:
Medications can affect children differently and can have side effects such as decreased appetite or sleep problems. One child may respond well to one medication, but not to another. Healthcare providers who prescribe medication may need to try different medications and doses. The AAP recommends that healthcare providers observe and adjust the dose of medication to find the right balance between benefits and side effects. It is important for parents to work with their child’s healthcare providers to find the medication that works best for their child. Parent Education and SupportCDC funds the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). The NRC provides resources, information, and advice for parents on how to help their child. Learn more about the services of the NRC. Tips for ParentsThe following are suggestions that may help with your child’s behavior:
ADHD in AdultsADHD lasts into adulthood for at least one-third of children with ADHD1. Treatments for adults can include medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments. For more information about diagnosis and treatment throughout the lifespan, please visit the websites of the National Resource Center on ADHD and the National Institutes of Mental Health More informationFor more information on treatments, please click one of the following links: National Resource Center on ADHD National Institute of Mental Health Information for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics References:
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