Which medications are used to treat ADHD in children?
The primary ADHD medications include stimulants, nonstimulants, and antidepressants. Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in children and adolescents. They include methylphenidate — Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta — or amphetamines, including Dexedrine, Dextrostat, and Adderall. A newer drug, Vyvanse, is a type of amphetamine that’s formulated to last longer and to be less conducive to dependence than other stimulants. Other FDA-approved drugs for ADHD in children and adolescents include the nonstimulants Strattera and Intuniv. Strattera works on levels of the brain chwmical norepinephrine and is quite effective at treating and controlling ADHD symptoms. Intuniv affects certain receptors in the brain and also improves concentration and impulse control. Both of these drugs pose a much lower risk of abuse or dependence than stimulants. The antidepressant Wellbutrin has been shown to be beneficial in treating ADHD. Wellbutrin can be an alternate treatment when tolerance or abus
