What Is ADHD Medicine?
After a child is diagnosed with ADHD,
doctors may prescribe medicine to treat it. Medicine doesn't cure ADHD. But it does
help boost the ability to pay attention, slow down, and have more self-control.
Why Do Kids Need ADHD Medicine?
Not every child with ADHD needs medicine. But medicine can help most kids with
ADHD stay focused longer, listen better, and fidget less.
Kids also benefit from behavioral therapy to learn and practice skills like staying organized or waiting their
turn without interrupting. Medicine isn't a shortcut — kids still need to work on
mastering these skills. The benefit of medicine is it helps kids stay focused as they
learn them.
How Does ADHD Medicine Work?
ADHD medicines improve attention by helping normal brain chemicals work better.
The medicines target two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals
affect a person's attention and concentration.
How Do People Take ADHD Medicine?
Kids and teens with ADHD can take different medicines. All ADHD medicines need
a prescription.
Kids and teens usually take ADHD medicines once or twice a day, depending on the
medicine.
Stimulants
These medicines include methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin, Concerta,
Daytrana, Focalin), and amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse).
Stimulants work as soon as a child takes them. How long they last depends on the
medicine:
- Short-acting formulas last for about 4 hours.
- Long-acting formulas stay in the body for about 10 or 12
hours. Long-acting stimulants can be helpful for older kids and teens who have a long
school day and need the medicine to stay focused for homework or after-school activities.
Non-stimulants
These medicines include atomoxetine (Strattera), clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine
(Intuniv). Non-stimulants can take up to a few weeks to start working. They work for
24 hours.
Before prescribing medicine, the health care team
will ask if your child is taking any other medicines. That includes over-the-counter
medicines and supplements (like vitamins or herbal medicines). The care team will
also want to know about your family's medical history, especially if any family members
have (or had) heart disease.

Doctors usually start by prescribing a low dose of a stimulant medicine. If your
child is taking a new ADHD medicine or dose, the doctor will want you to watch and
see if the medicine helps. The doctor will change the dose and how often your child
takes the medicine based on how much it helps and if your child is having side effects.
Kids respond differently to medicines. If the first
medicine doesn't seem to work, even at the highest dose, then a doctor may try a different
medicine. Some kids need to take more than one ADHD medicine to get the best result.