⚡ Stimulant Medications for ADHD


What they are:

Stimulants are the most studied and commonly used medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

They boost dopamine and norepinephrine in parts of the brain that control focus, impulse control, and motivation.


Two main families:

• Methylphenidate-based: Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Metadate

• Amphetamine-based: Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine


How they help kids & teens 🧒

• Improve attention and task completion

• Reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors

• Help with organization, school performance, and self-esteem


How common are they? 📊

• ADHD affects about 5–10% of children worldwide.

• International data show ADHD medication use has been increasing ~10% per year in many countries.

• Stimulants are effective for about 70–80% of children with ADHD at the right dose.


How they work (kid-friendly explanation):

ADHD brains aren’t “lazy” — they’re under-stimulated in the focusing circuits. Stimulants gently “turn up the volume” on those circuits so kids can filter distractions and hold a thought long enough to use it.


Common side effects:

• Decreased appetite, especially at lunchtime

• Difficulty falling asleep if taken too late in the day

• Stomach aches or headaches

• Mild irritability or “rebound” crankiness when medicine wears off


Most side effects improve when the dose, timing, or specific medication is adjusted.


Safety notes for families ⚠️

• Stimulants can slightly slow growth in some kids; doctors often track height, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure regularly.

• They are controlled substances, so they must be stored safely to prevent misuse.

• Large population studies show, overall, ADHD medication is associated with lower risks of accidents, substance misuse, and suicidal behavior compared with not treating ADHD.


References (Stimulants):

• Eiland, L. S., et al. (2024). Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in the pediatric population. Children.

• Chan, A. Y. L., et al. (2023). Global ADHD medication consumption. eClinicalMedicine.

• Brown, K. A., et al. (2018). Pharmacologic management of ADHD in children. Translational Pediatrics.