ADHD Medication for Teens

Prescribers give children over age 6 and teens diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, the same medications as adults. The dose of ADHD medications widely varies depending on how efficiently their body metabolizes the medication, not by a child’s age or weight. A very low dose is usually started and the dose is increased until the benefits level off or side effects become a problem.

Doctors treating ADHD usually prescribe stimulant medications and may alternate methylphenidate with amphetamine to see which is best. Additionally, doctors sometimes prescribe the nonstimulant medication Strattera (atomoxetine) for those who do not respond to or tolerate stimulants.

ADHD medications come in short-acting and long-acting, or extended-release forms. The short-acting forms last around four hours, and the long-acting forms can be effective for up to eight to 12 hours.

Common Medications Used to Treat ADHD in Teens

About 75% of children with ADHD in the U.S. use some ADHD treatment, which may be a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. The most recent studies show that 62.1% of adolescents from 12 to 17 years of age with ADHD take ADHD medication.

In addition to popular stimulants, doctors may prescribe the nonstimulant Intuniv (guanfacine). Providers usually prescribe Intuniv in the extended-release form to treat ADHD, either in combination with stimulant ADHD medications or on its own.

Slowly increasing doses of amphetamines and methylphenidate over time, known as titration, benefits teens with ADHD. Prescribers individualize titration based on the person’s symptoms, tolerance and side effects. Additionally, studies show that methylphenidate improves autonomic functioning among youth with ADHD. It reduces teacher-reported symptoms of ADHD, improving general behavior and parent-reported quality of life.

The clinical practice guidelines developed by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommend medication as the first-line treatment for ADHD, based on the evidence from 78 studies. Research has also shown that medication is more effective than behavioral treatment alone.

Specific side effects accompany ADHD medications. Some are common and less serious, and others are rare but more severe. As your child’s body adjusts to the medicine, they may experience fewer side effects.

It’s not unusual for a teen to lose one to three pounds when first taking ADHD medication. Then, with time, they usually gain it back. However, manufacturers warn that amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may slow children’s growth. If you are concerned, talk to your child’s doctor.

Stimulants have been linked to sudden death in children and adolescents with structural heart abnormalities or other serious heart problems. For children with ADHD, taking stimulant medication as prescribed does not increase the risk of addictive behaviors.

Many parents are uncertain which ADHD medication is best for their child. Because every child has a different metabolism, titration, monitoring and trial and error are the only ways to reveal your child’s ideal dosage and medication. Your child’s doctor may switch from amphetamine to methylphenidate or a nonstimulant if they don’t respond to their current medication.

If your child has an ADHD prescription and you don’t think it’s working, or they’re experiencing side effects, speak to their doctor. They may advise transitioning safely to another medication.