ADHD Medication For Children

When parents hear that their child has been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they may feel a mixture of emotions, such as relief, worry, or comfort. Knowing the diagnosis can be the first step, and it often precedes any treatment plan. As a common component of treatment plans, medication can help children with ADHD focus, control their emotions, and feel calmer. If your child's doctor or psychiatrist recommends medications for ADHD, you may wonder if it is safe, effective, and manageable for your child. Learning more about these medications may help you make an informed decision. 

Treating ADHD in children: Medication and behavior therapy

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD can affect a child’s ability to learn, socialize, and develop positive behaviors. According to CDC statistics on ADHD, about 6.1 million children aged two to 17 were diagnosed with ADHD in 2019. Of these, 62% were treated with medication as the only treatment or in conjunction with behavioral therapy. 23% received no treatment. 15% received behavioral therapy without taking medication. 

Many experts agree that ADHD medications may be worth considering when a child's ADHD interferes with their social, emotional, and educational well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends ADHD medication and behavioral therapy for children ages six to 12, while behavioral therapy may be indicated for children younger than six, and other behavioral interventions may be utilized for adolescents (in addition to, potentially, ADHD meds). 

Treatment options: Alternatives or compliments to ADHD medications

Medication is not the only option for children with ADHD. Although medications can be rapidly effective, parents may consider other treatments first. Other treatment options include behavioral interventions like organizational skills training—which teaches children how to manage time, organize their space, and prioritize tasks—and parent-based behavior management training. Behavioral classroom management interventions are also considered effective when a child’s teachers help identify and correct inappropriate behavior. Additionally, peer interventions, which focus on a student’s social skills, can be helpful in some cases. 

Being recommended medications does not necessarily mean that your child is untreatable or has severe symptoms. Doctors may recommend these treatments as a starting option, and you may decline if you do not feel comfortable. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Medication for children with ADHD

ADHD medications for children can reduce the impacts of symptoms like trouble focusing, excessive fidgeting, and difficulty with impulse control. All children are different in the types of medications that help. However, two types of medications are generally used to treat ADHD in children, including stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulant medications may be widely prescribed, but both forms of medication may help your child with the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges associated with ADHD. 

Stimulant medications for ADHD

ADHD medication for children, particularly ADHD stimulants, is often effective in treating ADHD. Studies indicate that over 70% of children who take stimulant medications for ADHD see improvement in the core ADHD symptoms of hyperarousal, distractibility, and impulsivity.

These medications can be either immediate-release (meaning they begin working quickly, then start losing potency) or extended-release (meaning they take effect in phases and can work for more extended periods). A developmental pediatrician or other healthcare professional can help you decide whether an immediate-release stimulant, extended-release stimulant, or non-stimulant could be the proper medication for your child. 

Common side effects of stimulant medications may include headache, upset stomach, and high blood pressure. Your child could experience a change in appetite or weight. They may also experience sleep problems or tics (involuntary movements or sounds). There is also evidence that some medications may be connected to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Your doctor might suggest a non-stimulant medication for your child if the stimulant treatment causes them to experience anxiety or hyperarousal. However, all children react differently, and side effects can have unique presentations, so keep an open dialogue with the doctor. 

Non-stimulant medications for children with ADHD

Although stimulants may be a highly effective choice, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medication if the stimulant doesn't work or the side effects are overwhelming. Three types of non-stimulant medications might be prescribed for ADHD: 

• ADHD-specific non-stimulant medications 
• Blood pressure medications 
• Antidepressants

Non-stimulants may have some advantages over other medications. For example, they might not cause nervousness, agitation, insomnia, or appetite loss. Unlike stimulants, they might also last longer. Additionally, non-stimulant medications often have a lower risk of misuse. Stimulant medications for ADHD are classified as Schedule II medications by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which means they carry a significant risk of dependence, particularly for people with family members who have experienced addiction. 

There are a few side effects that can happen with non-stimulants. Your child may experience the following:

• Upset stomach, nausea, and decreased appetite
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Sleepiness
• Headache
• Jaundice
• Suicidal thoughts*
• Allergic reactions
• Low blood pressure
• Heart rhythm problems
• Sudden death

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.

Talk to your child's doctor if they are experiencing severe side effects. Additionally, your child's medication packaging at the pharmacy may provide a complete list of side effects. If not, talk to the pharmacist or your child's doctor to learn more about the medication. 

What's the correct dose?

Determining the correct dose of medication may not be based on your child's weight, age, gender, or the severity of ADHD symptoms. Instead, it could depend on the following: 

• The absorption of the medication into the child's GI tract

• Your child's metabolism

• The passing of the medication across the blood-brain barrier

Testing ADHD treatments with your doctor

The efficiency of these processes could vary from one child to another. Testing medications may be the only way to know what dosage works. Also, these processes can change as a child grows, so doses might vary. If one ADHD medication isn't working, your doctor may suggest trying a different one. On the other hand, if the symptoms are improving slightly, your doctor may recommend changing the dose.

Medication management tips for parents

Your child's doctor will often take care of medication management tasks like prescribing, adjusting the dose, and evaluating results. As a parent, you may be responsible for ensuring your child takes their medication correctly and is coping healthily at home. There are a few tips you can try to do this: 

• Record your observations, including changes in your child's symptoms, behavior, sleep, and eating habits.
• Ask your child if they think the medication is helping or impacting their self-esteem.
• Keep track of when your child takes their medication and if it wears off too soon.
• Ask your child's teacher and other adults who work with your child for their input.
• Note physical symptoms and side effects, especially if your child has trouble swallowing medication. 
• Try not to ignore severe symptoms.
• Talk to the child's doctor if you notice a concerning symptom or if there's a family history that could affect treatment.
• Consider incorporating behavior therapy and parent training to complement medication management.

By closely monitoring your child's progress and collaborating with healthcare professionals, you can help treat children with ADHD more effectively. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders serves as a guideline, and each child's treatment plan should be tailored to their unique needs. 

Do not start, stop, or change the child’s medication without discussing with their physician.

Are ADHD medications safe for children?

ADHD medications are generally safe compared to those not meant to treat ADHD. Children who do not get support may struggle at school, experience social problems, have accidents, or partake in risky behaviors. Consult your doctor about combining prescriptions and monitoring effects.

Because some ADHD medications may interact dangerously with other medications, tell your child's doctor about any other prescriptions, herbal supplements, or remedies the child uses. A complete physical and mental health history may help their doctor choose the proper medication. After the medication is started, monitor any side effects at home. 

How to tell if the medication is working

After your child has used ADHD medication for a while, you may see an improvement. You may notice changes like:

• They can stay focused longer
• They're less impulsive
• They stop interrupting people
• They report a more positive mood 
• They experience less anxiety and stress
• They pay more attention to details
• Their memory improves
• They sleep better

If you're unsure how your child's behavior changes, consider keeping a journal to track symptoms. 

Caring for yourself 

As the parent of a child with ADHD, you might face your struggles. Talking to a therapist could be beneficial when understanding how to best care for your child. Although parents may feel too busy to attend doctor's appointments for their children and find time to attend therapy appointments, online counseling through a platform like BetterHelp could be beneficial. 

With online therapy, you can meet from anywhere with an internet connection and choose between video, phone, or live chat sessions with a licensed professional. You may also find that online counseling is more affordable than traditional methods. Additionally, internet-based therapy has been proven to be as effective as in-person therapy. When you're feeling your best, you may be better able to support your child while valuing your needs.