Top 10 ADHD Medications for Kids: A Parent’s Guide

According to the US CDC, 11.3% of children between the ages of 5 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. With a significant number of children affected, there is a need to identify effective strategies for treating and managing its symptoms.

If left unaddressed, ADHD can affect a child’s academic performance, relationships, and self-esteem. Lots of parents may feel overwhelmed when discussing choices for ADHD medications for kids with their provider, as determining the most suitable treatment and understanding potential side effects can be challenging.

There are various treatment choices in ADHD medications that fit individual needs. Let’s look at the different kinds of ADHD medications for kids and how they can help so you can make an informed decision with your provider for your child.

Types of ADHD Medications for Kids

So, what are the different ADHD medications for kids? There are two main types, which are stimulant and non-stimulant medications.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulant medications are the most effective and most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Stimulant medications for ADHD include:

• Methylphenidate
• Amphetamine

These medications reduce symptoms of ADHD by enhancing brain cell connectivity and increasing neurotransmitter availability, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. This medication should be administered to children at least six years old.

Taking methylphenidate medications to treat ADHD results in improved outcomes when complemented with nonpharmacologic therapy, such as social skills training.

Efficacy

A study investigated the effects of methylphenidate on academic productivity and accuracy in spelling, reading, and math in children with ADHD. Results showed the following effects upon taking methylphenidate medication:

• 7.8% increase in math productivity
• 3.0% increase in math accuracy
• Increased reading speed

Another study found that methylphenidate had a 70% efficacy in reducing ADHD core symptoms compared to placebo treatment, and this efficacy remained for at least 24 months. Additionally, the study stated that methylphenidate was generally well-accepted and favored by children and adolescents with ADHD.

Side Effects

Taking methylphenidate may come with the following side effects:

• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Growth problems in children
• Palpitations
• Tachycardia
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting or nausea
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Tics
• Excessive sweating
• Blurry vision
• Decreased libido
• Irritability or moodiness

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are FDA-approved stimulant medications for ADHD. They are used as a first-line treatment for ADHD in adults and children six years old and older.

Current amphetamine medications in the US include:

• Lisdexamfetamine: an inactive prodrug that converts into d-amphetamine in the bloodstream
• Dextroamphetamine: medication that does not contain an l-isomer
• Dextroamphetamine/amphetamine: contains a mix of d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine salts, often known as mixed amphetamine salts

Efficacy

A study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of amphetamines in treating adults with ADHD. Findings suggest that amphetamines reduce ADHD symptom severity in the short term.

However, the medications did not improve treatment retention and were associated with higher withdrawal rates due to adverse events.

Side Effects

The following adverse effects are possible after using amphetamine:

• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Tachycardia
• Dry mouth
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Increase in systolic blood pressure

Non-stimulant Medications

Non-stimulant medications are an option if your child:

• Isn’t responding to stimulant medications
• Can’t handle taking stimulant medications due to side effects or increased anxiety

Generally, non-stimulants have less efficacy than stimulants. However, these medications have minimal effects on appetite and sleep. Sometimes, physicians combine non-stimulant medications with stimulants to enhance their benefits and minimize side effects.

There are three primary non-stimulant treatment options: viloxazine, atomoxetine, and alpha-2 agonists.

Viloxazine

Viloxazine is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.

Viloxazine works by boosting norepinephrine levels to enhance communication between brain cells. Also, it works by changing the mechanisms of serotonin in the brain.

This medication is helpful for those who:

• Don’t see any changes in ADHD symptoms after taking stimulant medications
• Can’t handle the side effects of stimulant medications
• Have co-occurring mental health issues

Efficacy

A study showed that viloxazine worked better for treating ADHD symptoms than placebo. Findings also revealed that a moderate dose of 200 to 400 mg gave the best treatment results during the clinical trials.

Another study mentioned that compared to stimulants, viloxazine reduced the risk of substance abuse and drug dependency. It also prevented withdrawal symptoms.

Side Effects

When taking viloxazine, your child may experience the following side effects:

• Unusual sleepiness
• Body aches and muscle pain
• Hoarseness, loss of voice, or changes in voice
• Chills or fever
• Headache
• Cough or sore throat
• Sneezing or a stuffy nose
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Pain around the cheekbones and eyes
• Unusual feeling of tiredness and sluggishness

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, an FDA-approved medication, works by boosting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine to facilitate more effective communication between brain cells.

This medication is used to treat ADHD symptoms in children with comorbidities, including:

• Anxiety
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Autism spectrum disorder

Efficacy

Research findings showed that children who went through at least six months of treatment with atomoxetine showed significant improvements in the following areas:

• Expressive and receptive language
• Attention span
• Command-following skills

Side Effects

Your child may experience these side effects when taking atomoxetine:

• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Sleepiness

However, those effects will likely wear off in about 1 to 2 weeks.

Alpha-2 Agonists

Alpha-2 agonist medications have a different mechanism of action than standard ADHD medications. Two drugs under this class are clonidine and guanfacine.

Alpha-2 agonists are more selective, which results in fewer adverse effects. These medications boost norepinephrine signals in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates behavior and attention.

Efficacy

A study confirmed that alpha-2 agonists improved ADHD symptoms in preschool children, especially those under 4 years old.

The same study mentioned that clinicians prefer to use alpha-2 agonists because these medications:

• Have more manageable side effects
• Have fewer complaints of moodiness, stomachaches, and sleep issues

Another study discussed the following limitations of alpha-2 agonists. Findings showed that these medications:

• Were less effective than stimulants for addressing the main symptoms of ADHD, especially hyperactivity
• May cause sedation, which can affect social and academic functioning

Side Effects

Alpha-2 agonist medications may come with these cardiovascular side effects:

• Reduced blood pressure
• Reduced heart rate

Top 10 ADHD Medications for Kids

Let’s examine the specific options for ADHD medications for kids. Each medication offers unique advantages and disadvantages.

Stimulant Medications

Top stimulant medications for kids include Ritalin®, Adderall®, Concerta®, Quillivant XR®, Vyvanse®, and Daytrana®.

Source: GBL Express

FDA-approved in 1955, Ritalin® (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is one of the most established medications for ADHD. Ritalin® is available in 2 pharmaceutical forms: Ritalin® (immediate-release tablet) and Ritalin LA® (modified-release capsule). This variety in formulations makes this medication suitable for different schedules.

With Cuverd coupons, prices of 60 tablets of Ritalin® at 20 mg are as follows in selected pharmacies:

Pros

• Available in two formulations to suit different needs (immediate-release and extended-release tablets)
• One form of Ritalin (Ritalin LA®) can be sprinkled on a small amount of applesauce, which is beneficial for children who can’t swallow capsules
• Immediate-release tablets may also be used to treat narcolepsy

Cons

• May lead to addiction and substance use problems
• May cause or worsen psychosis for those with bipolar disorder, depression, or other mental illnesses
• Side effects include difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat

Source: Concerta

Approved by the FDA in 2000, Concerta® offers extended-release relief from ADHD symptoms. This medication provides up to 12 hours of improved focus and reduced hyperactivity in children. Its once-a-day dosing is ideal for kids needing all-day symptom management.

Cuverd coupons bring discounted prices for Concerta® at select pharmacies. Here are the prices per pharmacy for 60 tablets of Concerta® 20 mg:

Pros

• Features an OROS® delivery system which slowly delivers medication throughout the day
• Requires to be taken once daily only
• May also be used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder (ADD)

Cons

• Available in extended-release tablets only
• Most common side effect in children is upper abdominal pain
• May lead to addiction and substance use problems

Source: GoodRx

Quillivant XR® is a banana-flavored liquid medication that is helpful for kids who have trouble swallowing pills and anyone who needs small amounts of methylphenidate medication.

Quillivant XR® starts to release the first dose of methylphenidate in 45 minutes and works gradually for 12 hours. Its time-release formula is made to keep a consistent amount of medicine in your body all day long.

Quillivant XR® is available at discounted prices in selected pharmacies with Cuverd. Below are the costs of a bottle of Qullivant XR® 60 mL of 5 mg/mL:

Pros

• Medication is in liquid form, which is an excellent option for children having a hard time swallowing pills
• Can be taken with or without food
• Requires to be taken once daily only

Cons

• May lead to addiction and substance use problems
• Most common side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, anxiety, mood swings, fast heart beat, and increased blood pressure
• Children taking Quillivant XR® have been reported to experience weight loss and slowed growth, especially during the first year of treatment

Source: Citeline

Adderall® contains a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Available in immediate and extended-release forms, it’s a trusted choice for kids who need consistent symptom relief.

Cuverd coupons reduce the prices of Adderall® at various pharmacies. Here are the prices for 30 capsules of Adderall® 10 mg:

Pros

• Available in immediate-release (Adderall®) and extended-release tablets (Adderall XR®), which allows for flexible dosing options
• Can be taken with or without food
• One type of Adderall (Adderall XR®) can be sprinkled over a spoon of applesauce if the child cannot swallow the capsule
• Available in different dosages (Adderall IR: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg; Adderall XR: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg)

Cons

• May lead to addiction and substance use problems
• Adverse reactions include high blood pressure, insomnia, seizures, and irregular heartbeat
• Dosage should be adjusted gradually to prevent side effects and withdrawal symptoms

Source: Diffen

The main ingredient found in Vyvanse® is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Approved in 2007, Vyvanse® is a long-acting stimulant that helps kids manage ADHD symptoms for up to 14 hours. Its delayed activation reduces abuse potential, offering a safer option for daily treatment.

With Cuverd, you can get Vyvanse® at a discounted price at selected pharmacies. Below are the prices for 100 capsules of Vyvanse® 30 mg:

Pros

• Available in capsules and chewable tablets
• Available in different dosages (Capsules: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg; Chewable tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg)
• Requires to be taken once daily only
• Can be taken with or without food
• Capsules can be swallowed whole or can be emptied and mixed with yogurt, water, or orange juice
• Has shown efficacy at 14 hours after dosage

Cons

• Side effects include anxiety, decreased appetite and weight, anorexia, dizziness, diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, insomnia, and upper abdominal pain
• May lead to addiction and substance use problems
• Needs to be taken at the same time every morning to regulate the medication levels in the body and to avoid a crash

Source: GoodRx

Daytrana® is the only ADHD patch for kids. It offers up to 9 hours of symptom control through the skin and is a good alternative for kids who struggle with oral medications.

Cuverd provides discounted Daytrana® prices at select pharmacy locations. For reference, below are the prices for a 24-hour patch with 10 mg/ 9 hr strength:

Pros

• Medication patch makes it easy to take once-a-day dosing
• Great option for children who prefer not to take pills
• Available in different dosages (1.1 mg/hr, 1.6 mg/hr, 2.2 mg/hr, and 3.3 mg/hr)

Cons

• May lead to addiction and substance use problems
• Dose should be adjusted gradually to prevent side effects and withdrawal symptoms
• May cause skin problems at the application site, such as itching, redness, and small bumps
• Common side effects include nausea, weight loss, decreased appetite, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping and eating

Non-Stimulant Medications

Options for non-stimulant ADHD medications for kids include Strattera®, Qelbree™, Onyda™ XR, and Intuniv®.

Source: Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHRI)

Strattera®, FDA-approved in 2002, is a non-stimulant medication for ADHD. It belongs to a class of medicines called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Strattera can be considered as medication for kids who cannot tolerate stimulant options. It works gradually to improve focus and reduce hyperactivity without the risk of abuse.

The following are Strattera® prices for 30 capsules at 40 mg at specific pharmacies with Cuverd coupons applied:

Pros

• Available in different dosages (10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg)
• Can be taken with or without food
• Does not cause withdrawal symptoms
• Medications can be stopped without gradually reducing the dose

Cons

• Side effects include vomiting, upset stomach, nausea, somnolence, headache, and loss of appetite
• Associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation in children or adolescents
• Associated with severe liver damage
• May affect the growth rate of children
• Available in capsule form only

Source: Philly Integrative

Qelbree™, approved by the FDA in 2021, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication designed for kids aged 6 to 17. It helps manage symptoms without the addictive risks associated with stimulants.

The cost of 30 pieces of Qelbree™ 150 mg capsules at chosen pharmacies with Cuverd discounts is as follows:

Pros

• Available in different dosages (100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg)
• Does not cause withdrawal symptoms
• Can be taken with or without food
• Contents can be sprinkled over a spoon of applesauce if the child cannot swallow the capsule

Cons

• May take a week or longer before you can see improvements in ADHD symptoms
• Associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation
• Common side effects include sleepiness, headaches, upper respiratory tract infection, not feeling hungry, and tiredness
• Available in capsule form only
• May increase blood pressure and heart rate

Source: Onyda

Onyda™ XR is an alpha-2 agonist that can be used either alone or in combination with stimulant medications to treat ADHD. Onyda™ is the first and only non-stimulant medication for ADHD in a liquid formulation. You can purchase Onyda™XR for as low as $5.20 (7 mL of 0.1 mg/mL suspension medication) at Avita Care Solutions through Cuverd.

Pros

• Medication is in liquid form, which is an excellent option for children having a hard time swallowing pills
• Can be taken with or without food
• Requires to be taken once daily only

Cons

• Side effects include hypotension, somnolence, fatigue, irritability, nightmares, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth
• Allergic reactions to Onyda™ XR may include hives, skin rashes, and swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or tongue
• May have adverse reactions when taken alongside other medications, such as antidepressants and heart or blood pressure medicines

Source: DailyMed

Intuniv® got its first approval from the FDA on September 2, 2009, to be used as monotherapy for treating ADHD in kids and teens aged 6 to 17. In February 2011, it got approved to be used along with long-acting oral psychostimulants to help treat ADHD.

With the help of Cuverd coupons, 100 tablets of Intuniv® 1mg costs in selected pharmacies are:

Pros

• Available in 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg tablets
• Does not cause much appetite suppression compared to other ADHD medications
• May be used to help children with ADHD and tics, aggression, or sleep issues
• Dosage is once a day only
• Can be prescribed alone or with other medications for ADHD

Cons

• Available in extended-release tablets only
• Adverse reactions include hypotension, fatigue, nausea, lethargy, and somnolence
• Can take at least 2 weeks to get the full benefits of the medication

Final Words

When choosing an ADHD medication for kids, consider factors such as dosage, potential side effects, and form of medication. Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed due to their proven effectiveness, but non-stimulant alternatives can also be an excellent choice for children who don’t respond well to stimulants.

Because every child’s response to medication is unique, staying involved in their treatment is key. Schedule regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to ensure your child is on the right path to effective ADHD management.

FAQs on ADHD Medication for Kids

Is taking ADHD medication advisable for kids under 6 years old?

Experts suggest that for kids younger than 6, it's more advisable to try behavior therapy before using medication. The medication might not work, and the side effects could worsen.

How do I know which ADHD medication is best for my child?

Choosing the best ADHD medication for your child might mean testing out different kinds of medicines since some kids react better to certain types than others. You may need to change the dosage and schedule to get the best results and reduce side effects. It’s important to work with your medical provider closely and follow their advice.

Are there natural alternatives to ADHD medication for kids?

Yes, aerobic exercise may be beneficial in managing ADHD. One study showed that aerobic exercise had the potential to help kids with ADHD improve neurocognitive function and inhibitory control. That said, exercise alone may not be sufficient for ADHD management. It’s always best to discuss natural alternatives to ADHD medication with your medical provider.