ADHD medications for children has traditionally been stimulants such as Ritalin. Doctors are now finding that some patients respond to non-stimulants, antidepressants and combinations of drug treatments and therapy.

Because different children react differently to different medications, and ADHD is not a simple diagnosis, many doctors will use a trial and error treatment before settling on a prescribed medication.

Before any child begins an ADHD drug treatment program, he should have a thorough medical exam to determine any heart problems or other medical conditions that may interfere with ADHD medication.

Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication prescribed for ADHD. Stimulants increase levels of dopamine, which are associated with attention span, movement, concentration, impulse and motivation.

Three types of stimulants commonly prescribed for ADHD are:

• Methylphenidate, including Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and Daytrana, are psychostimulants that stimulate the central nervous system and they have a calming and stabilizing effect on ADHD sufferers.
• Dexmethylphenidate drugs, such as Focalin, increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is essential to focus, attention span and other cognitive functions.
• Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamines, such as Adderall, and dextroamphetamines, like Dexedrine and Dextrostat, are effective in blocking the brain from reabsorbing the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.

Side effects of these stimulants include mood changes, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, sleeplessness and stomach problems. These drugs should not be taken by anyone with heart problems. In some children, drugs used to treat ADHD actually make their symptoms worse and can lead to depression.

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