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ADHD Treatment Options

Overview: 

Symptom Management

The right treatment can effectively manage your child's ADHD symptoms

If diagnosed, your child's doctor will tailor an individual treatment plan

Stimulants, like CONCERTA® are the most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD

READ FULL ARTICLE 

Related links: ADHD Medication Safety   Treatment with CONCERTA®  Choosing a Healthcare Professional


ADHD Treatment Options

Symptom Management

The right treatment can effectively manage your child's ADHD symptoms

If diagnosed, your child's doctor will tailor an individual treatment plan

Stimulants, like CONCERTA® are the most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD

When properly diagnosed and treated, ADHD can be effectively managed. A comprehensive approach to treating ADHD can be an effective way to treat the condition. This may include prescription medicine and counseling or behavioral therapy.

Once diagnosed, your child's healthcare professional may prescribe a medication for ADHD. There is no cure for ADHD, and no one treatment is right for everyone. So, considering your child's medical history, his or her healthcare professional may recommend a treatment plan that weighs the benefits and risks of each ADHD medication.

To date, the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications are from a class of drugs called stimulants, though nonstimulants may also be an effective treatment option. Stimulants are proven to reduce ADHD symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Stimulants are believed to enhance the availability of the brain's chemical messengers dopamine and norepinephrine. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.

Methylphenidate, the stimulant medicine in CONCERTA®, has been used for over 50 years.

ADHD medications are available in short- and long-acting formulations. The short-acting forms can last up to 4 hours. Long-acting forms, like CONCERTA®, are time released and offer ADHD symptom control throughout the day, including those all-important homework hours between 4 and 6pm. Some experts agree that ADHD medication is most effective when used on an everyday basis to encourage healthy habits of planning and discpline.


CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talk to your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.

CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA® significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.

Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs; has had any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, or seizure. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child: develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal or extreme moods and/or excessive activity; or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®. Your child's healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® treatment if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.

Stimulants may impair the ability of the patient to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles. Caution should be used accordingly until you are reasonably certain that CONCERTA® does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.

The most common adverse reaction (>5%) reported in children and adolescents was upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) reported in adults were dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and insomnia.

CONCERTA® and OROS® are registered trademarks of ALZA Corporation

© Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved.

This site is published by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site and its contents are intended for USA audiences only.