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If your child was recently prescribed ADHD medication, you probably have a variety of questions running through your mind, such as: what is the difference between stimulant medications and non-stimulant medications, what is the best time of day to give your child their medication, and what specific questions you should ask your child's doctor.
Well, you are in luck because this article will explore all of those questions and provide you with the answers needed to set your child up for success when it comes to ADHD medications and ADHD treatment.
It is important to note that this information is for education and informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as medical or diagnostic advice. Always consult with your child's doctor or a medical provider regarding medications.
Types of Medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that can affect both children and adults. ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention.
There are a variety of medications that are prescribed for controlling ADHD symptoms and each come with their own benefits, side effects, and risks. While one medication might work well with one child, it may differ from the next. Therefore, not every child will react the same way to each medication.
This article will introduce stimulant medications, non-stimulant medications, and antidepressants, which are all common medications used to treat children with ADHD.
Stimulant Medications
The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulant medications. That is because they are known to be the most effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. They are also short acting, meaning there is an immediate release of the drug. The negative to it being short acting is that the medication wears throughout the day.
An ADHD stimulant medication works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain and central nervous system. These neurotransmitters are important for regulating attention and impulse control.
Amphetamine medications, Dexedrine Spansule, Methylphenidate medications (Ritalin), and Adderall are considered common stimulants, and are the most widely prescribed. Stimulant medications are generally taken once or twice a day, but again, this will depend on the child's specific needs.
Although ADHD stimulants are the first line of treatment for ADHD, they also have unwanted side effects and possible risks. These include insomnia or other sleep problems, loss of appetite, and the potential for abuse and dependence.
Non-Stimulant Medications
Non stimulant medications are another type of ADHD medication prescribed for both adults and children diagnosed with ADHD. This typically includes the nonstimulant medication Atomoxetine or Strattera and it works by affecting other neurotransmitters in the brain such as noradrenaline and dopaminergic receptors and are long-acting medications.
These medications can take several weeks before any benefit is noted and are generally used as an alternative if stimulant medications are not effective.
However, rather than being short acting and wearing off throughout the day, nonstimulant medications tend to have lasting effectiveness up to 24 hours due to their extended-release qualities.
Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressant such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) can also be prescribed to treat ADHD, although they are not as regularly prescribed as stimulant medications or non-stimulants.
Besides their antidepressant effectiveness, antidepressants work by affecting levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, in the brain.
These medications help improve attention, focus, and regulate impulses. These are also effective treatment options if your child has comorbid anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Antidepressant medications are typically taken once or twice a day and can take several weeks to a month before they begin to work. It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed, even if immediate relief is not noted.
Alpha-2 Agonists
Alpha-2 Agonists, such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) are also used to help manage ADHD symptoms. This medication can also be used as an add-on option with a stimulant medication for optimal effectiveness.
Research indicated that approximately 66% of children who received an alpha-2 agonist had an improvement in ADHD symptoms.
Does It Matter When a Child Takes ADHD Medications?
Once your child is prescribed the right medication for managing ADHD symptoms, you may begin to wonder when you should be giving them their medication.
Does it matter if a child has their ADHD medication in the early morning as part of their morning routine before their school day? At what time do stimulants work best?
Will the dose affect the time of day children should take their medication?
These are all common questions parents have at the beginning of their child's ADHD treatment journey. The best time of day to give a child their ADHD medication will depend on the specific medication as well as your child's individual needs.
It is also important to consult with your child's doctors to determine the best time your child should take their medication.
Keep reading to find out more.
The Best Time of Day to Take Stimulants
If your child is prescribed a stimulant medication such as Adderall, Focalin, and Vyvanse, it is recommended that they take this medication in the morning. The reasoning for this is because when your child is in their school day, it can help improve focus and attention immediately.
These medications typically have peak effectiveness at around 2-3 hours after taking them and can last for around 4-6 hours. With that said, taking the medication in the morning will help keep your child focused and productive throughout the day.
The Best Time of Day to Take Non-Stimulants
Typically, a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine or Strattera will have a longer onset of action. The best time to take this medication will vary from child to child.
Since insomnia is not a common side effect of a nonstimulant medication, it can be taken in the morning or at night. For some children, taking a medication in the evening may be more beneficial, depending on your child's schedule and activities throughout the day.
Again, if you are concerned about when you should be giving your child their ADHD medication, discuss these concerns with your child's doctor.
Other Medications
If your child is prescribed another medication for reducing ADHD symptoms, such as an antidepressant or alpha-2 agonist, the time of day your child should receive this medication will depend on your child's specific needs and the medicine.
Typically, it is recommended to take nonstimulant medications in the morning. This is because it can help your child's focus, attention, and self-control during the school day. It can also be helpful for children who have difficulty getting started in the morning or who struggle to focus on schoolwork.
Asking Your Doctor
Lastly, the timing of when stimulant medications are given to children will play a significant role in their effectiveness. Following the dosing instructions provided by your child's doctor and giving your child their medication at the same time everyday will ensure that your child is receiving the most benefit from the medication.
When it comes to what is the "best medication" for reducing symptoms of ADHD, it will ultimately depend on a variety of factors such as your child's needs, their age, tolerance for possible side effects, and other medications they are being prescribed.
Whether your child is beginning stimulant treatment, being prescribed nonstimulant medications, or starting a different treatment for ADHD, the following questions can come in handy when you are consulting with your child's doctor:
- How does attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) present?
- What stimulant medications do you recommend for treating ADHD? What non stimulant medications do you recommend?
- What is the best medication for my child? Does this medication work well with reducing core ADHD symptoms?
- What are the most common side effects of these meds?
- What are the risks of taking these medications?
- What is the right dose for a child their age?
- Will you monitor my child's blood pressure and any other potential risks while they are taking this medication?
- How often does my child need to be seen?
- What other treatment options are available besides medication for ADHD?
- Can my child take supplements in addition to ADHD medication?
By working closely with your child's doctor, you, as a parent, can help ensure that your child receives the right medication and other effective treatment options they suggest to successfully manage symptoms of ADHD.
About
Dr. Carrie Jackson, PhD
