Children and teens who suffer from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder have a difficult time succeeding in school and making and keeping friends. Adults with this disorder have trouble focusing at work, remembering important appointments and dates, maintaining healthy relationships and doing well at work. Medication can reduce these symptoms, allowing children, teens and adults to live more normal lives.
Types
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that the most common medication prescribed for ADHD---regardless of age---is a stimulant such as Ritalin, Concerta and Adderrall. If stimulants aren't effective, doctors might prescribe Strattera, a nonstimulant, or antidepressants. High blood pressure medications might be recommended for children, teens and adults who experience aggression or negative side effects such as insomnia or tics from other ADHD medications. If a child also suffers from an anxiety disorder, Strattera can reduce symptoms for both disorders.
Side Effects
Side effects differ for each person. One child might take Concerta with no negative side effects, and another might experience sleeping issues. Kids, adolescents and adults might have to try a few medications before finding the one that is the most effective with the least number of side effects. MayoClinic.com reports that people can experience weight loss, decreased appetite, irritability and problems sleeping from taking stimulants. Rare side effects such as liver problems can occur from taking Strattera, and even though there isn't a link between suicide and children who take this medication, there's a risk that it can cause increased suicidal thoughts. Because side effects differ for each individual, other side effects than the ones listed might occur.
Considerations
Medication will not cure ADHD, though it can mask and reduce the symptoms. Someone with this disorder will still have social issues and will need assistance managing the disorder. Doctors generally recommend that medication be combined with individual and family therapy in order to see the best results. Children can also benefit from social skills training.
Safety Guidelines
Children and teens who take medication for ADHD should not be in charge of keeping or remembering to take the medication. It's best to keep the medication locked up, according to MayoClinic.com. Before taking the medication, adults should learn about it and ask their doctors any remaining questions. Parents should do this for their children. If a child, teen or adult wants to stop taking medication for ADHD, she should consult with her doctor first and taper off slowly.
Warning
Some teens and adults abuse ADHD medications. An adolescent might take another teen's prescription to lose weight or pull an all-nighter for an exam. Teens Health, a service of the Nemours Foundation, reports that the dangers of casual use of medications include overdosing, becoming addicted, hallucinations and delusions. Parents should monitor medications of their children and teens to make sure they are the only ones taking it and should discuss the dangers of taking more than the prescribed dosage.
