The short-term efficacy of stimulants in ADHD is well established ( 5), yet despite eight decades of clinical use, there continues to be angst over it. These figures are in line with data from other studies ( 3) and are below the estimated 7% 1-year prevalence of childhood ADHD ( 4). Based on data from over 6 million individuals in an insurance database, the 2008 annual prevalence for filled stimulant prescriptions was found to be 4.6% for children ages 6–12 years, 3.7% for adolescents (13–18 years), and 1.6% for young adults (19–24 years) ( 2). Most mental health practitioners suggest including behavior modification therapy for ADD, ADHD children in addition to ADD medicines for optimal success in managing ADHD symptoms and behaviors.Stimulant medications have been used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for over 80 years, longer than the use of antibiotics to treat infection ( 1). In these cases, a non-stimulant drug such as Strattera may prove the best and most effective choice. However, certain children do not respond well to any of the stimulant medications, often because they have other disorders in addition to ADHD. Parents need not worry about their child developing a dependence on these medications if administered properly in the treatment of ADHD. Studies have shown stimulant ADHD medications as highly effective in controlling ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. Physicians should closely monitor the growth and weight of patients taking the drug. Some experts have reported concerns that long-term use of Strattera can cause growth delays in children and teens. Most of these subside after one or two weeks of consistently taking Strattera. Common side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and possible mood swings. Strattera does not cause insomnia, nervous tics, headache, or many other possible side effects associated with stimulant ADD medicines. However, unlike stimulant drugs which affect levels of both norepinephrine and dopamine, patients must take Strattera for a longer period before seeing an improvement in ADHD symptoms. Strattera works to balance levels of norepinephrine in the brain and is effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in children. Physicians now have one FDA approved non-stimulant ADHD drug to add to their arsenal of ADHD medications, atomoxetine, sold under the brand name Strattera. Doctors should not prescribe them to people with a history of substance abuse. That being said, all stimulant drugs, including ADHD medicines, which fall under a controlled substance classification have the potential for abuse. Furthermore, the use of these ADD medications in children and adolescents does not increase the potential for drug abuse in adulthood. Studies have shown that stimulant drugs do not pose a dependency risk when prescribed to children and adolescents to treat ADD. Many parents voice concern that their child may become dependent upon stimulant ADHD medicines. Can Children Become Addicted to Stimulant ADHD Medicines? ![]() Many stimulant ADD medications come in an extended release or long-acting formulations, allowing one morning dose per day versus the two or more doses per day associated with fast-acting stimulants. Physicians can usually reduce these side effects by adjusting dosage amounts. These ADHD medication side effects usually do not last long and occur early on in the treatment cycle. ![]() The most common side effects associated with stimulant ADD medications include: Amphetamine-based ADHD medicines include those sold under the brand names Adderall, Dextrostat, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. Methylphenidate-based ADHD medicines include drugs sold under the brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Metadate. Stimulant ADHD medications are divided into two classes: methylphenidate-based formulations and amphetamine-based formulations. Available Stimulant ADHD Medications for Treating Children Recently, physicians have found success with other types of ADHD medications, such as the non-stimulant drug, Strattera. Physicians frequently try multiple ADD medications to find the one that offers the best relief of ADHD symptoms with the least undesirable side effects. Stimulant ADHD medicines are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD kids. ![]() A minimum of 80 percent of children with ADHD responds positively to at least one of the stimulant ADHD medications available, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
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