What Parents Need to Know About Medication

Considering medication as a treatment option for ADHD is a difficult one as a parent. Medication can be a very important treatment component for many families with ADHD.

In fact, ADHD medication tends to produce larger effects (e.g., changes) in ADHD than behavioral therapy, and it also may make therapy more effective when used in combination. 

You may be wondering if you should try medication, other options first, how safe these medications are, and if ADHD medication will be effective for your child.

While I can’t tell you if medication is the right choice for your family, I can help you make an informed choice by understanding all of the treatment options with regards to ADHD medication.

Types of ADHD Medication

Types of ADHD medication tend to fall into two main categories: stimulants, non-stimulants. 

Stimulants

Stimulants are typically the first line of treatment for children with ADHD, and they have been researched since the 1960s.

Stimulant medications include medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.

While these are the generic versions of these stimulant medications, some of their more familiar names include:

• Ritalin

• Adderall

• Concerta

• Jornay

• Vyvanse

Stimulant medications have an immediate effect, working within 30-90 minutes.

Stimulant medications target two neurotransmitters in the brain, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are associated with motivation, emotions, and movement. 

Nonstimulants

Nonstimulant medications are typically used for individuals who don’t respond to stimulants or who experience negative side effects from stimulant medication.

Nonstimulants target levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may take 4-6 weeks to work.

Some examples of non-stimulant medication include:

• Strattera (atomoxetine)

• Tenex

• Intuniv

Effectiveness of ADHD Medications

Stimulants

Stimulant medications improve ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children.

In the short-term, stimulant medications can improve emotional regulation, attention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, quality of life at home, and classroom behavior.

Stimulant medications can have long-term protective outcomes on motor vehicle accidents, substance abuse, criminal behavior, academic outcomes, and mood disorders.

Nonstimulants

Approximately 50% of children who do not respond to methylphenidate (a stimulant), may respond to atomoxetine (Strattera). For adults with ADHD, Strattera is significantly more effective than a placebo at treating ADHD symptoms.

Side Effects of ADHD Medications

All types of ADHD medications can have side effects. Some common side effects include:

• loss of appetite

• nausea

• sleeping difficulties

• weight loss

• irritability

• sleepiness

With regards to physical development, weight loss associated with taking ADHD medications can result in small reductions in weight or height, although these appear to be minimal.

These side effects tend to be very short-term and only present when the medication is active in the body. If you or your child does experience side effects, sometimes changing the dosage or timing of the medication can be effective.

For some individuals with pre-existing conditions (e.g., cardiovascular conditions), there is the risk for more serious side effects.

Discussing your options with your doctor will help you determine if medication is the right fit for your family.

How to Know if Medication is Working

One of the helpful things to do to know if medication is working with your family is to keep track of medication side effects and outcomes at both home and school.

I often recommend that parents use this medication log to keep a log of their child’s symptoms.

This will help you keep track of side effects as well as their ADHD symptoms and you can use this during follow-up appointments with your child’s pediatrician or psychiatrist.