Medication – Stimulants

Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medication. They are fast-acting and works by targeting dopamine, a brain chemical which helps in controlling motivation, movement, and emotional responses. Even though children with ADHD are often hyperactive, giving them stimulants will lessen or eliminate their need to seek outside stimuli, helping them focus and learn. Studies have shown that at least 70% of children with this condition display fewer symptoms when they take drugs like Methylphenidate, Dexamfetamine, and Lisdexamfetamine.

Some of the mild side effects are decreased appetite, stomach ache, sleep problems, headaches, increased anxiety, irritability, dryness of mouth, and nervousness. More serious ones include hallucinations, increase in blood pressure, and suicidal thoughts or actions.