Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a condition in which children have trouble keeping their attention on specific things such as school work, chores or conversations. The hyperactivity portion of the disorder may prevent children from "settling down" and focusing on necessary activities. According to the Mayo Clinic, ADHD may cause children to have trouble at school, difficult interpersonal relationships and low self-esteem. ADHD may continue as the child grows up, too.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant and is sold as the drug most commonly associated with ADHD, Ritalin. It also may be sold under brand names such as Daytrana and Concerta. While it may seem counterintuitive to give stimulants to children who already may be hyperactive, these types of medications do work, although doctors aren't certain why, according to the Mayo Clinic. Serious side effects from methylphenidate may include a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), delusions, fever, depersonalization, pain in the joints, severe depression, convulsions, muscle cramping, skin cracks, sensory hallucinations, auditory or visual hallucinations, body heat loss, changes in mood, severe headaches, abnormal behavior and others.
Dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine is the generic name of Dexedrine, Liquadd and Dextrostat. It, too, is a stimulant and works much the same way as methylphenidate does to balance the chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Serious side effects from dextroamphetamine may similar to Ritalin such as delusions and hallucinations. There also are others, including agitation, vision blurring, restlessness, vocal outbursts that are uncontrolled or repetition of uncontrolled bodily motion, headaches, euphoria, dizziness and insomnia, among others.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is an SNRI (norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) drug sold as Strattera that is not a stimulant. It may be used to treat ADHD when stimulants fail. It helps to ease restlessness and aids in concentration. Serious side effects include an irregular heartbeat, skin redness, hives or swelling on the genitals, face, feet, eyelids, legs, lips, tongue, hands or throat. Others may include erection pain, seizures, unconsciousness, urine discoloration, inability to control the bladder, symptoms that appear like the flu, male pelvic pain, spasms in the muscles of the extremities or skin or eye yellowness.
Other Drugs
When more commonly prescribed medicines for ADHD haven't worked, doctors may prescribe other drugs to help in your treatment. These include some antidepressants---although these kinds of medications have strong warnings about their use in children younger than 18 because they tend to increase suicidal thoughts---and hypertension medicines such as guanfacine or clonidine. Hypertension drugs may produce such side effects as depression, hallucinations, anxiety, restlessness, breathing that is irregular and irritability among others.
