There are two groups of medications a doctor may prescribe for a child with ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulants. A doctor may recommend a combination of medications and behavioral therapies to most effectively manage ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that typically begins in childhood and may continue into the teenage years and adulthood.

A child with ADHD may display persistent and extremely impulsive behavior, have difficulty paying attention, and be very hyperactive. Symptoms of ADHD may interfere with everyday activities and relationships, such as school, family, and friends.

There are several medications available for a child with ADHD. They may help them manage their symptoms and control their behaviors.

This article discusses the types of medications a doctor may recommend for a child with ADHD, how the medications work, if medication is always necessary, and more.

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There are currently two categories of medications that have the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating children over the age of 6 years with ADHD, including:

  • Stimulants: Stimulant medications are the most common type of medication for treating ADHD in children. They are typically fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70–80% of children who take them.
  • Nonstimulants: Nonstimulant medications are slower-acting than stimulants. However, their effects can last for approximately 24 hours.

A child with ADHD may have difficulty producing enough dopamine and norepinephrine, and they may need medication to help.

Dopamine and norepinephrine are chemicals that appear naturally in the body. Dopamine enhances the ability to experience pleasure and affects motivation and concentration. Norepinephrine can help the body react to stress and help regulate sleep and blood pressure.

Stimulants for children with ADHD work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which has a calming effect. Studies suggest stimulants can improve:

  • productivity at school
  • decision making
  • abilities in reading, writing, and math

Nonstimulants for children with ADHD work by stopping cells in the body from reabsorbing the dopamine and norepinephrine the body produces. This raises dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Nonstimulants are typically slower-acting, as their action comes from blocking reabsorption rather than stimulating the production of chemicals.

Stimulant medications reduce the symptoms of ADHD in 70–80% of children. Stimulants are the most common treatment for children with ADHD and are faster-acting than nonstimulants.

However, the different medications may impact a child with ADHD in different ways. Therefore, a parent or caregiver should work with their healthcare provider to find the best medication for their child.

Several side effects can occur in children taking medications for ADHD.

The most common side effects of stimulant medications include:

  • trouble sleeping
  • increased irritability or moodiness
  • a decrease in appetite
  • sudden uncontrollable movements, or tics
  • seemingly quieter than usual
  • a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure

The most common side effects of nonstimulants can include:

  • drowsiness
  • fatigue
  • headaches
  • a loss of appetite
  • upper abdominal pain
  • a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure
  • lower blood pressure

For children with ADHD under the age of 6 years, a doctor may recommend parents or caregivers train in behavior management as the first treatment step.

For children over the age of 6 years, doctors may recommend a combination of medication and behavior therapy.

Studies suggest ADHD medications have several short-term beneficial effects on symptoms of ADHD in children. However, there is limited research into the long-term effects of taking these medications and whether the short-term benefits outweigh the long-term risks.

Aside from medications, several other treatments may help a child with ADHD. Some of these include:

  • behavior therapy with the child
  • behavior management training for the parent or caregiver
  • classroom behavioral interventions
  • organizational skills training
  • cognitive training

Research also suggests that lifestyle modifications, such as getting enough exercise and consuming a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and low in processed foods, may help a child with ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a developmental disorder that typically develops in childhood and can continue into adolescence and adulthood.

There are two types of medications a doctor may prescribe for treating a child with ADHD — stimulants and nonstimulants.

Stimulants are typically the first line of medications a doctor may prescribe, as they are fast-acting and typically effective in 70–80% of children with ADHD.

Several behavioral therapies may help a child with ADHD. However, a combination of medications and behavioral therapies is usually the most effective treatment for a child with ADHD.