Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can have a hard time focusing their attention on a task or staying still. These symptoms can interfere in school and causes problems when interacting with other children. One treatment option for ADHD in children is medication. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that as of 2003, 56 percent of ADHD patients between ages 4 and 17 use medication. While these medications have their benefits, they also have some downsides.
Types of ADHD Medicines
The MayoClinic.com explains that two main types of ADHD medicines exist: stimulants and nonstimulants. These medications help with the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior symptoms of the disorder. Examples of stimulants include dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. Only one nonstimulant is on the market: atomoxetine. A doctor may prescribe another medication off-label, meaning it is not approved specifically for ADHD treatment, but can help with the symptoms. For example, antidepressants like fluvoxamine, can help patients who either do not respond to stimulants or nonstimulants or patients who also have a mood disorder, like depression. ADHD patients who have aggression may take guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure medications.
Side Effects
These ADHD medications have side effects that can become disruptive. For example, Helpguide.org notes that stimulant medications can make patients feel jittery or may cause tics, which are repetitive movements that patients have problems controlling. Stimulants can cause a racing heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, irritability, dizziness and headaches. Other side effects include a loss of appetite, upset stomach and depression. Nonstimulants can also cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache and abdominal pain. Other nonstimulant medication side effects include dizziness, agitation and sleepiness.
Health Problems
Both stimulants and nonstimulants may cause some serious health problems in children. The MayoClinic.com points out that, while rare, stimulant medications have caused heart-related deaths. As a precaution, parents should have their children checked for any heart problems before starting them on a stimulant for ADHD. Nonstimulants may cause jaundice, a condition in which patients have yellowing of the skin. Some nonstimulant users may start having suicidal thoughts.
Potential for Abuse
While stimulant medications can improve the symptoms of ADHD, they do carry a high potential for abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that people take stimulants for weight loss, increased focus or for recreational purposes, such as getting high. Parents should look for any missing pills or keep the medicines locked up.
Considerations
Medicines are just one aspect of ADHD treatment—they will not cure the disorder. Parents may want to consider other treatments instead of medication. For example, the MayoClinic.com notes that children with ADHD may benefit from behavior therapy, where the therapist helps them control their impulses and hyperactivity. Social skills training can help children who have problems interacting with other people. If psychological issues like depression also occur, psychotherapy is another option.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Treatments and Drugs
- Helpguide.org: ADD/ADHD Medications – Are ADHD Drugs Right for You or Your Child?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Stimulant ADHD Medications – Methylphenidate and Amphetamines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD, Data and Statistics
