Finding the right stimulant medications for a child with ADHD can be challenging for caregivers, so the Child Mind Institute has provided resources to help them understand the difference between the various choices.
There are two types of stimulant medications for ADHD – methylphenidate and amphetamine – and dozens of formulations that deliver them in different ways. The result is a large number of choices and, to add to the confusion, children are unpredictable in how they respond to medication.
The Child Mind Institute writes that doctors prescribing ADHD medication for a child often need to try several before they find the best fit, which is why it is important for caregivers to understand the alternatives and how they work.
The institute’s resources include articles on methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta, for example) and amphetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) and the pros and cons of each. There is also information on what to do for children who cannot tolerate stimulants and on non-stimulant medications that don’t have the same side effects.
There is also a piece on how to find the right dosage for a child and behavioral supports that can help children with ADHD, regardless of whether they are taking medication.
The resources include:
