Treatment for ADHD involves many factors, such as the various ADHD medications that are frequently administered to children and the rationale behind them.
One of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental diseases in children is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. It entails issues with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.By fostering new routines and coping mechanisms, behavioral therapy and other psychological techniques can aid in the management of symptoms. Nonetheless, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentional symptoms can overwhelm a lot of kids.
Children's ADHD drugs can help prevent symptoms from being too severe, enabling your child to concentrate on other facets of daily life.
What medication is used for ADHD in children?
There are two types of medications used to treat ADHD in children:
- stimulants
- non-stimulants
Stimulants are regarded as the first-line therapeutic option among them.
Using stimulants to control hyperactive or inattentive behavior may seem paradoxical. However, the way these drugs function is by boosting specific brain chemicals associated with thinking and focus.
Physicians always employ caution when prescribing stimulants because of the potential for abuse. Formulations with a long half-life can reduce the chance of abuse.
The duration of non-stimulant versus stimulant action may differ. They are recommended when there are worries about their overuse, when a stimulant isn't working well enough, or if your youngster is sensitive to them.
Children's stimulant ADHD medications include:
- dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR)
- methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
- methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Methylin, Adhansia XR, Aptensio XR, Daytrana, Jornay PM, QuilliChew ER, Quillivant XR, Concerta, Cotempla XR-ODT, Relexxi)
- lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- amphetamine (Evekeo, Evekeo ODT, Dyanavel XR, Adzenys XR-ODT, Adzenys ER)
- dextroamphetamine (Adderall, XR, Mydayis)
Non-stimulant ADHD meds for kids include:
- atomoxetine (Strattera)
- viloxazine (Qelbree)
- guanfacine (Intuniv)
- clonidine (Kapvay)
What is the most popular ADHD medication for kids?
Methylphenidate, or Concerta, was the most often given ADHD medicine for children at the time of the 2017 ADDitude Treatment Survey.
Concerta was followed, in order of most to least used, by:
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
- Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
Methylphenidate remains the most widely prescribed ADHD drug for kids, according to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based psychiatrist Dr. Dara Abraham.
"The most often prescribed medication for children with ADHD is methylphenidate because it acts more quickly and gently than amphetamine," the spokesperson says. "It provides a powerful boost without overstimulating the system by blocking dopamine reuptake instead of adding more."
What is the best treatment for ADHD in children?
Your child's experience with ADHD is distinct. While having an ADHD diagnosis indicates the presence of particular clinical symptoms, there can be wide variations in how those symptoms manifest in day-to-day functioning.
This means every child has a unique set of preferences regarding what is "best" for them.
According to Houston, Texas-based psychotherapist Dr. Amy Rollo, who specializes in neurodiversity, the most successful treatment strategy generally combines psychotherapy and medication.
She clarifies, "This does not imply that medicine is required, but researchTrusted Source indicates that the most beneficial strategy combines medication with psychotherapy. Exercise, mindfulness-based activities like yoga and meditation, parent support, and modifications in the educational environment can all be included in the treatment plan.
What side effects can stimulants cause?
Stimulants have the same possible negative effects as almost all other drugs.
While the list of negative effects for each medicine may differ, common stimulant side effects include:
- insomnia
- headache
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- anxiety
- irritability
- dysphoria, a condition characterized by sadness or discontent with life
Other rare, but potentially serious side effects include:
- loss of circulation in the fingers or toes
- unusually frequent, prolonged, or painful erections
- muscle tissue breakdown
- increased blood pressure or heart rate
- shortness of breath
- psychiatric events such as mania or psychosis
- growth suppression
- increased frequency of tics
- drug dependency
- suicide ideation
Are ADHD medications safe?
It makes sense to question the safety of ADHD drugs after reading the list of possible adverse effects.
According to Rollo, "ADHD medications have been prescribed and studied for decades." "As always, the best person to talk about safety is your medical provider, but rest assured that this treatment approach has been studied for many years."
A 2018 systematic review by the researchers revealed that the majority of children's ADHD medications were well tolerated, almost as well as a placebo. The two medications that were shown to be less well-tolerated than a placebo were amphetamines and guanfacine.
Studies are still being conducted, and scientists are keeping an eye on the safety of taking ADHD medications.
Furthermore, a systematic review conducted in 2022 discovered no statistically significant link between cardiovascular disease and ADHD drugs. Nineteen observational studies involving over 3.9 million people were considered in this analysis.
"It is important to remember that every person responds differently to medications, and every case of ADHD involves varying degrees of severity," Abrahams continues, "so a doctor must evaluate each patient before prescribing any medication to determine which one will work best for them."
Bottom line
The most often used ADHD medications for children are stimulants. Adderall and Concerta are two of them that are usually prescribed.
When taken appropriately, ADHD drugs are thought to be safe. Non-stimulant alternatives can be substituted for stimulants that have unfavorable side effects or don't seem to work.
Although your child may not require ADHD medication, the best way to treat ADHD is thought to be a multimodal approach that includes both medication and psychotherapy.
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