ADHD Medications and Treatment Options
Parents have many questions regarding different ADHD treatment options. You will find ADHD information below in a question/answer format. If you have additional questions about other ADHD treatment options, you can also review the ADHD Doctor Discussion Guide in the "Seeing Success" fulfillment kit, or write your other questions down and bring them with you to your child's next ADHD doctor visit. A doctor is best qualified to help you decide what is right for you and your child regarding ADHD and treatment.

How do ADHD medications work?

It is believed that ADHD is caused by either a lower level, or an imbalance, of chemicals, called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters communicate with one another all day long, and regulate a child's attention, organization and decision-making. It is thought that ADHD medications restore the balance, or level, of these neurotransmitters, leading to many behavioral and academic improvements.

Which ADHD symptoms do stimulant medications treat?

Although there is no cure for ADHD, stimulant ADHD medications, like CONCERTA®, tend to increase a person's attention span, improve focus, and decrease distractibility. They make it easier to stop and think about the consequence of a behavior. Research has also shown that stimulant ADHD medications improve parent-child interactions, classroom attention and academic performance in children with ADHD. Stimulant ADHD medications (or any medications for that matter) won't teach someone a new behavior; however, they will allow a person with ADHD to focus on a new skill or new learning.

What about ADHD alternative treatments? Do they work just as well as ADHD medications?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) periodically issues a set of treatment guidelines for the treatment of ADHD and reviews them on an ongoing basis. The guidelines recommend a total treatment program (that includes stimulant ADHD medication combined with behavior modification therapy) as a first-line ADHD therapy. If you have heard about other ADHD interventions, you should ask your child's doctor about these ideas.

How often does my child have to take his or her ADHD medication?

There is a different dosing schedule for those children who take short-acting stimulant ADHD medications and those who are prescribed long-acting stimulant ADHD medications. It's important to know the difference between the two kinds.

Short-acting stimulant medications

A dose of traditional stimulant medications, or immediate-release medications, treats ADHD symptoms for a short period of time (three or four hours). Therefore, ADHD treatment with short-acting stimulant medications has typically involved dosing up to three times a day to maintain the improvement. Taking ADHD medications several times a day can result in "highs and lows" of the medication level in the bloodstream. In addition, taking ADHD medication in the middle of the day can lead to some embarrassment, (i.e., departing for the school nurse office, other peers knowing) which can inhibit a child from taking his or her ADHD medication during school.

Long-lasting stimulant ADHD medications

Once-daily ADHD medications have the social benefit of eliminating any potential embarrassment of having to take medications during the school day. These medications are designed to be taken once a day, in the morning.


CONCERTA® was the first once-daily ADHD medication that eliminated the need for multiple dosing. In order to offer consistent release throughout the day, CONCERTA® was designed to minimize peaks and valleys in blood levels often experienced with the short-acting stimulants, or immediate-release medications.


CONCERTA®, last through 12 hours, covering the school day and evening activities such as homework.


What about ADHD medication on weekends and holidays, even summer?

In most cases, ADHD not only affects a child's school life, but life outside of school as well. ADHD can impair a child's ability to focus, make decisions and interact with others every day, including weekends and holidays. ADHD medication should be taken as prescribed by your child's doctor.

How can I tell if my child's ADHD medication is working?

Stimulant medication, like CONCERTA®, should improve disruptive and hyperactive behaviors, as well as your child's ability to focus and attend to tasks. Pay attention to the effect of your child's medication on these symptoms, and report your findings to your child's doctor. This information can be documented in your symptom tracking sheets. Also, talk to the doctor about any side effects you notice as well as any other medications your child is taking. Your child's doctor will use this information, along with a rating scale, or reports from others, to adjust the medication for your child's specific symptoms.


NEXT STEPS: