All about ADHD medication
Expert reviewed by Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, PhD, NCC, DCMHS, LMHC
Whether you’re thinking about ADHD medication for your child, or your child already takes it, there’s so much to know. How do the different ADHD medicines work? Will they cause side effects? Having answers can help you make sure your child is getting the maximum benefit from ADHD treatment.
This guide can help you make informed decisions as you’re considering or managing ADHD medication.
Types of ADHD medication
There are a few types of medicine for ADHD, and not all of them work in the same way. Working with the prescriber, your child may need to try more than one type to find the one that works best.
Learn about the different ADHD medications your child’s prescriber might recommend.
ADHD medication side effects
Side effects are a concern for many parents. They might wonder if ADHD medication will make their child more anxious, for example. Side effects like sleep problems and irritability do occur. But a change in medication timing or dosage can help.
Get key information on ADHD medication side effects.
Who prescribes ADHD medication for kids
There are many types of health care providers who can prescribe medication for ADHD. Your child’s prescriber will also monitor your child to make sure the type of drug and the dosage and timing are working well for your child.
Learn about the types of professionals who prescribe medicines for ADHD.
ADHD drug holidays and adjusting medication
There may be times when the prescriber suggests adjusting your child’s medication. That may happen when the dosage or timing of the drug is causing side effects, or if it isn’t working well. The prescriber might also suggest taking a “drug holiday” during school breaks or weekends.
- Find out when ADHD medication needs fine-tuning.
- Learn why some prescribers suggest ADHD drug holidays.
ADHD medication abuse
As kids get older, they may face peer pressure to share or sell their ADHD medication. Some kids may also misuse their medication to get a “boost” during crunch times, such as exams. And in rare cases, misuse can turn into abuse.
There are ways you can address this risky behavior, however. Get information on ADHD medication misuse and abuse.
Want more information? Find out how ADHD medications work in the brain. Get answers to common questions about ADHD alternative treatment. And check out this list of questions to ask yourself about ADHD medication if you’re thinking about going that route.
Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.
About the author
About the author
The Understood Team is made up of passionate writers and editors. Many of them have kids who learn and think differently.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, PhD, NCC, DCMHS, LMHC is an author, licensed mental health counselor, and a Florida Supreme Court-certified family and circuit mediator. She specializes in anxiety, gaslighting, narcissistic abuse, and ADHD.
