ADHD Medication Treatments

Because the brain and its chemistry are at the heart of ADHD, many individuals use a form of medication to manage their symptoms and behaviors. Just under 70% of children receive some sort of medication.[i]These may include stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants to treat other mental health issues. About 6 in 10 children with ADHD have an additional mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder such as anxiety, depression, or autism spectrum disorder.[ii]

For students new to their diagnosis, it can take time to find a set of medications and dosages that manage their ADHD without excessive side effects. Students on stimulants such as amphetamines, for example, may experience appetite loss, sleep problems, weight loss, and mood instability. Students taking non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, may have fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and need to be monitored for suicidal thoughts. Anti-depressants can cause trouble sleeping, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and sweating[iii]. It is not surprising that such students may not be at their best as they work to find the right combination of medications that help them learn without damaging their quality of life. 

It can be hard to know how to support these students. The easiest way is to have flexible attendance policies and deadlines that allow students an opportunity  to make up missed classes or get a brief extension on assignments. 

[i]Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). (2017). National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

[ii]Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Data and Statistics about ADHD (ND). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed June 27, 2022 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

[iii]Reviewed by Bhargava, H.D. ADHD Medications and Side Effects. (2021). WebMD https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-medication-chartAccessed on 6/27/2022.