It’s important to know that all medications pose risks and potential side effects. Not all of them are guaranteed to have the same effect in everyone. Your own health and genetic history may also be a very important factor that your physician will take into consideration, since some medicines for ADHD are known to be of more concern for those with a history of heart disease or tics.

It should be noted also that while we will try to update this list as much as possible with new medical findings and research, there is no guarantee that we can be sure this list is the most up to date because things can change often, frequently, and rather quickly. It should also be noted that we here at ADHD Parent support do not recommend any one medication over another, because it is a decision that is best left up to you and your doctor. There is no such thing as the “best medications for ADHD” because it will vary from person to person. Not all medications have the same effect and results on everyone and so talking to your doctor is the best course of action to pursue. This ADHD medications list is here mainly for information purposes so if your doctor is talking about switching medicines you can have a familiarity of the different drugs available.

Another important thing to note is that some medications listed here have not been approved for all ages or may have certain age restrictions, such as being meant for adults only or not being studied in children under the age of 12 or 6. So depending on your child’s age not all of these medications may even be an option for you to consider just yet.

You may also want to consult with your health insurance company. Not all insurance companies will cover all medications, and many may even only cover the generic unless it can be proved medically necessary through your physician and the pharmacist. It is unfortunate because this leads to many parents being forced to try certain medications when they would rather avoid them.

To help make this list the least confusing, we’ve gathered the medications together under the type of generic name brand.

Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine: Adderall, Adderall XR

Methylphenidate: Concerta, Daytrona, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Ritalin

Methamphetamine: Desoxyn

Dextroamphetamine: Dexedrine, Dextrostat

Dexmethylphenidate: Focalin, Focalin XR

Lisdexamfetamine: Vyvanse

Buspirone:Buspar

Clonidine: Catapres

Did we forget to list medications for ADHD you have used or heard of? Share it in the comments below.

For years many parents and professionals have been wondering what the link between ADHD and sleep is and how the two relate to each other. For some, it seems like it is a never ending “What came first? The chicken or the egg?” type of the question. Does attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cause problems with falling and staying asleep? Or does not sleeping properly cause the symptoms of hyperactivity and restlessness?

For parents struggling in getting ADHD kids to sleep, this lack of sleeping could even potentially make managing the usual symptoms of the condition worse.

There are many different sleep disorders that exist. Some of these, such as sleep apnea are related to factors that disrupt sleep. Individuals with sleep apnea frequently snore and often may even stop breathing while sleeping. Because of this interrupted sleep pattern, some believe that may cause hyperactivity or inability to focus.

Other parents are greatly concerned about medications that may work in relieving symptoms and help their child function at their best at school or at home may be keeping them up at night because the ADHD medication is a stimulant.

If you’re a parent with a child with ADHD who isn’t getting enough sleep, here are some things you can try:

1. Speak to Your Child’s Doctor: Speaking to your child’s doctor is one of the most important things you should do first. If sleep apnea is a concern or other conditions, your doctor will be able to assess if any of these sleep disorders exist and what the best solution in treating them might be. Some studies have found that some stimulant medications are better than others in helping kids get a good night’s rest.

2. Establish a Quiet Routine: Many children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have trouble unwinding at the end of the day. Even if they are tired they may still be ready to go and can’t relax enough to actually fall asleep. A good routine that is quiet might help. An example routine would be a light snack, bath time, reading in bed, and then lights out.

3. Promote Physical Fitness: While being physically active won’t cause kids to go to sleep by itself, it can help with burning off a lot of their extra energy that can make it easier to fall asleep at night.

4. Limit Television Time: Many ADHD kids can become totally absorbed in shows they are watching on television which may make it even more difficult for them to fall asleep. Taking TV out a child’s bedroom or not allowing him or her to watch it near bedtime may help.

5. Reduce Stress and Activities: Many families have very hectic and busy lives and the afternoons and evenings are filled with activities and things that can cause stress. If you’re driving kids to soccer practice and running errands and going to another activity, it can really all become overwhelming and make it more difficult for all of you to relax.

6. Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Caffeine is often hidden in a lot of foods, especially different types of soda. Eating too much sugar can all have effects on kid’s blood sugar levels which can sometimes result in changes of extreme hyperactivity to feeling tired. By limiting these things, while they don’t cause ADHD or completely cure the symptoms if avoided, can help somewhat for parents who constantly struggle.

These are just a few tips for dealing with ADHD sleeping disorders in children. Do you have any suggestions? Share them in the comments below.

Many people have wondered the effects of fish oil for ADHD and how it can help relieve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The University of South Australia did a study on 132 children who were given the supplement and reported that after the trial period was over those who had used the supplement reported a 40-50% improvement on symptoms.

However, before you jump out to buy fish oil, there’s an important thing to remember: not all fish oil products are the same and there is no guarantee that it will improve your child or even be safer for them. In fact, one Norwegian study showed that those who ate foods with the Omega Three naturally in them saw greater absorpbtion from smaller amounts of food than larger amounts of supplements.

Fish oil is thought to have many benefits and it is derived from the tissues of fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout, tuna, and herring. However, there are also some concerns about toxins such as mercury and other contaminants, which is why the FDA recommends that only a limited amount be consumed each week.

The benefit of eating these fish or taking the supplements lies in the Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These Omega Three essential acids are believed to have many important nutrients that our body does not produce on its own.

Many children however are likely not going to enjoy the taste or smell of these supplements (after all, they are a little fishy!) and even getting a child who is a picky eater to eat the salmon or tuna could be a bit of a challenge – there are adults who don’t even like it!

The good news is that Omega 3 acids can be found naturally in other foods that your kids likely will eat – and giving them natural whole foods is the safest thing you can do since many vitamin supplements can sometimes do more harm than good, as well as since they are not regulated by the FDA may also not have the quality and standards you would expect or require. You also want to make sure that you do not take too much, as the adage of “too much of a good thing” can really hold true for many. Those who have taken large mega doses of Omega Three’s have been subject to problems with blood thinning and even possibly stroke.

For the safest way to test any benefit or improvement in your child. it remains that eating healthy foods is the recommended way to go by most pediatricians. The other foods that contain omega 3 beside salmon include Flax seed and walnuts, which can be incorporated into just about any child’s diet unless a nut allergy is a concern. Flax seeds can easily be incorporated into a number of recipes or even turned into flour which you can purchase. Other foods that have some of these fatty acids include Cloves, Kale, spinach, raspberries, mustard seeds, broccoli, and a few others.

There is certainly no to little harm in incorporating salmon, walnuts, spinach, raspberries, and flax seed into a child’s regular diet as long as no allergy concerns are present. However, taking supplements should only be done under the recommendation of a child’s pediatrician, as the concern for contaminants and whether it is actually necessary of beneficial is still a subject of controversy amongst many.

It’s also important to remember that just because most medication for ADHD has a negative stereotype and stigma against it that despite the media reports it has effectively helped many children and their families, though finding the right dosage and prescription may take several months to perfect.

Do you have any experience using fish oil for ADHD? Share your comments about ADHD, fish oil, and omega three fatty acids in the comments section below.

After all, only terrible parents would out of desperation and exhaustion let their kid watch TV to fall asleep. Only a terrible parent would leave a shopping cart full of things in the store to carry out a screaming and flailing kid. Certainly good parents wouldn’t be lying awake at night wondering why their child was such a monster. Good parents don’t feel resentment towards their child, do they?

I started to really get caught up in what a bad parent I was. I was starting to feel pretty frustrated and kind of hopeless at the same time. Other parents and kids I knew didn’t seem to have half the problems me and my son did. I was convinced that my child’s ridiculously bad behavior was karmic justice for all of the bad parenting I was doing.

But, as it turns out, I’m not a bad parent – and I never actually was. I’ve actually been told quite a few times by several therapists that I really am a good parent. (They swear they weren’t just saying that to boost my self esteem!) I was following the right discipline ideas, I was doing all that I could. My kid just has a mental health disorder, that’s all.

With so many people assuming that ADHD is just a diagnosis that means “Bad Parenting” it can be really frustrating. For one, it causes hundreds, if not thousands of parents to deny their kids have problems. It makes parents feel like they are the ones to blame – as if their actions are in direct correlation to why their child misbehaves, can’t sit still, and is jumping from one thing to the next. Instead, many kids go undiagnosed. Nobody wants to accept that they have a problem or that their kid has a problem either. In fact, we might even tiptoe around the issue with parents – by either not talking about it or trying to find some kind of ridiculous miracle cure rather than accepting it as an illness.

If you feel like a terrible parent, you’re not alone. Every parent, even parents of completely mentally healthy children, feel these kinds of feelings from time to time. But if you’re constantly beating yourself up about it, it’s time to stop.

It’s not easy to go from feeling like horrible parent to good parent. So to help you dismiss those horrible parent feelings, here’s some help:

1. Embrace The Diagnosis: Breathe that diagnosis with a sigh of relief! There is nothing “wrong” with you – or even your child necessarily. Your child has a medical condition. And while a medical condition requires treatment and attention and research and understanding – it is not the end of the world. Millions of people with medical conditions can continue on with happy and successful lives. When you start realizing there is a medical condition, and not “something wrong” it really helps put things into perspective.

2. Do Good Parent Things: Good parents make sure their kid has the basic necessities and is in a safe environment. (Y’know – fed, clothed, bathed, not playing in the street, child proofing the house, etc.) Good parents take their child to a doctor when the child is sick – and good parents will make sure that they research and follow through with a treatment plan for their child’s ADHD. Don’t brush it off as something unimportant or will go away on its own. Instead, talk with the doctors, the therapists, the teachers, the professionals. It’s the best thing you can do when you are in doubt.

3. Realize You’re Not Alone: There are thousands of parents right now feeling just like you are. The good news is you can find others to help you and relate to. Join a forum or message board. Check with CHADD.org and find a local chapter near you. Call a neighbor, call a long lost friend, open the phone book and call one of the help line’s in the front. We always feel like we are alone and have no one to turn to or talk to about something – but that’s not the case.

4. Take Time-Outs: If you’re getting overwhelmed or frustrated – take a break. Let someone else watch your child(ren) for a few hours. Go for walks. Take a relaxing bubble bath. Do something FUN and do it for YOU.

It’s time to forget about what means “normal” and what means “terrible parenting”. Instead, focus on getting you and your child the treatment you need to get through it – and it will get better eventually. You CAN be happy. It’s not hopeless. And you’re not a terrible parent if you’re still reading this site. Pat yourself on the back for being a good parent. Because good parents recognize there is a problem and seek help not only for their children, but themselves too.

As parents we’re left basically with unknown territory and the FDA and drug companies, which many people do not trust, especially knowing that many of the major drug companies provide funding for the approval of drugs. Stories of children having negative, even life threatening side effects to ADHD treatments and medications leaves many parents wondering if there is a safer and more natural remedy to help their struggling child and help them save their own sanity

In the uncharted territory of alternative treatments available parents must be just as equally cautious as they are about putting their child on medication. We live in a society where we would all like instant results and cures for our problems and ailments. Unfortunately there are many people who prey on this desire for us to believe there is a miracle cure and will try to convince you and sell you just about anything – and whether it’s safe or effective doesn’t matter to them. While we’d all like to take some sort of magical formula and watch all of our problems disappear, it usually takes quite a bit more work than that.

That is why this website ADHD Parent Support does not recommend or support any specific treatment or cure for ADHD symptoms. Every child is different, and so is every situation unique in diagnosing the condition as well as the way to treat it.

The best thing parents can do is to seek the trusted opinion of behavioral health specialists, educate themselves as much as possible in the different treatments available, and try to look at the situation objectively in making a decision to determine the best thing for their child’s health.

Allowing social media stigmas against medication or therapy or the opinions of family members, friends, or other parents influence your decision you may not ultimately be what is best for you and your child. This list is meant to be only a resource in helping you learn the different alternatives available that you can research further and discuss with your child’s doctor.

Here is an overview of natural remedy options:

Behavioral Counseling: While behavioral counseling is not a “natural remedy” in the form of something you can take or eat, it is one of the most useful and successful methods in treating ADHD successfully, with or without the use of other treatments or medications. For children too young for medication, or for those who constantly struggle with behavioral issues, it can take many months or years to see improvement, but in general it always leads to a more positive outcome.  Finding the right therapist is vital – be sure to find someone with a thorough understanding and plenty of experience.

Diet: Many parents and professionals have speculated that diet may be a way to change a child’s behavior. The keyword here is speculated, since there have not been a lot of studies done that effectively prove that it is what causes symptoms or can help alleviate them. The ADHD diet is a strict one that may also potentially deprive your child of nutritional value he or she needs that restricts a large amount of dairy, protein, and whole grains. For parents of picky eaters, it would be practically impossible to try this diet without first being involved in a major battle of what the kid can and cannot eat. Having other family members in the house would also cause a lot of grief with this. If you are considering a special diet for your child, it would be best to first speak with your pediatrician and a nutrition specialist who can perform allergy tests. You may likely be best off simply following the USDA’s guidelines for a well balanced diet outlined by the food pyramid.

Vitamins: From fish oil to flaxseed to Vitamin C, there are plenty of supplements and vitamins available that many believe could potentially help with ADHD. However, most people do not realize that if they are eating a well balanced and nutritional diet they do not need vitamins – and taking more vitamins that your body needs can be much more dangerous than a potential deficiency. For example, takin iron supplements without the direction or advice of a doctor can be fatal. Again, speak with a pediatrician or child nutritionist before taking any course of action. You can likely get all of the child’s needs in a well balanced diet without the need of supplements. See our article on ADHD Vitamin Supplements.

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for treatment of emotional or physical symptoms. While there have been proven studies that certain smells do change our patterns of brain waves, it is also another untested territory related to ADHD. It is believed that citrus smells such as orange and lemon can be related to helping improve focus and concentration, where smells such as lavender can help with relaxation. Will burning scented aromatherapy candles transform your child’s behavior overnight? Most likely not, but at least your house will smell good!

Music Therapy: Music therapy is another natural remedy option that some parents may wish to explore. There is some research supporting the effect of music in calming and focusing, though specific ADHD treatment studies are few and far between. You can find meditative music just about anywhere, though there are other audio tracks that work specifically on tuning to certain frequencies and rhythms to produce an effect. Speaking to a reputable and experienced music therapist can give you more information and insight on this type of treatment.

Meditation: Meditation is another possible treatment source for ADHD that does not require drugs or medication. However, it is quite likely that you will have difficulty in getting your ADHD child to sit somewhere long enough to practice meditative techniques. If you can find a child meditation specialist in your area, that may help you learn ways to get him or her interested. While it most likely will not cure ADHD, as there is no cure, it could be a good way to learn how to manage hyperactivity and over stimulation.

With so many different ADHD natural remedy options, it is not surprising that some parents may decide to try these instead or in lieu of professional advice. Many parents are looking for that magical miracle cure when unfortunately one does not exist, and it can take years of experimentation with medications, therapy, and other treatments before finally finding the right combination of things that is best for you and your child. For these reasons, it is imperative to start things off right and as soon as possible by talking to your child’s doctor. The sooner you start seeking help, the sooner you will better understand the disorder and begin seeing hope again.

There are tons of different ways to stay organized, and it will greatly depend on your child’s invidual personality as well as their age and grade level. What works for a second grader for example may or may not work so well for a high school student.

Below are some of our favorite organizational tips for helping kids at school to stay on task and focused:

Color Code System: It will depend on your child’s age and grade level, but a color code system for different school subjects can help. This is especially helpful for middle school and high school students, who may have a different teacher for each subject. Coordinating book covers with folders can be a great way to remember what is needed for each class. Some parents may use an accordion style folder in conjunction with this method for handling multiple teachers and classes.

Homework Journal/Folder: A calendar notebook with pockets is an excellent way to keep track of homework assignments. Have the child write down the assignments in the notebook, and if there is a corresponding worksheet or directions they can place it in the folder. They can then put the homework in the folder when they are finished to ensure it is always in the same place to turn it in the next day.

An Extra Set of Books: It’s not uncommon for students to forget books at school or at home. Requesting an extra set of books is something you can do through your child’s IEP or Section 504 plan to help you make sure that your child will always have the materials he or she needs.

Pack for School the Night Before: Having a routine where you get everything ready for school the night before can be a huge help in dealing with the usual hustle and bustle of morning activities. Make sure your child has his or her homework, lunch, clothes, jacket, and anything else they might need ready to go in one spot.

Remember Less is More: The more simple everything is, the easier it will be for you, your child’s teacher and most importantly your child. Having too many folders, notebooks, binders, and other items can make it difficult for anyone to keep track of what is going on. Reducing the amount of unnecessary papers and other items can help make it easier for everyone.

Organize Pens, Pencils, Etc: Chances are your child will need pens, pencils, and other basic school supplies. Some notebooks have organizers that can hold all of these items in one place, or for some children a pencil box or case may be more suitable.

Do you have any other tips for helping your ADHD child be more organized at school? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!

Below are a few of the different classroom interventions that can help with dealing with hyperactivity and the inability to focus:

Seating: Where the child sits can make a significant difference. Ideally they should be seated away from windows and doors, which can be very distracting, and as close as possible to the teacher during lessons and assignments. If the students are seated at tables or in groups, careful attention should be made as to which students the child is sitting with, since he or she may not only be distracted by them, but also distract them as well. Some children may also benefit from special seats that help them stay seated, such as a learning support cushion or t-stool.

Less Homework: An ADHD child may have no problems answering 10 math questions, but could greatly struggle with 40, since the longer the assignment, the more likely they will be to lose focus or interest. In most cases, the actual work is not different, but there may be limits on how much time an assignment is expected to take.

Set Time Limits: If too much time is allotted for a project, it is likely the child may not be any more productive. Often times doing projects in pieces and using a timer to complete the different sections can be of assistance in helping them to complete tasks more efficiently. Setting time limits and using a timer can also be helpful with things such as restroom breaks, errands, and other activities.

Repeat Instructions: Whether it is by having a video, recording directions, or having a list of instructions for the student to read while working on a project, the repetition is important in helping him or her follow directions and get work completed. Longer tasks should be broken down into smaller parts so he or she does not lose focus or interest.

Giving the Student Special Jobs: If the student needs to burn off extra energy, giving the student jobs such as erasing and washing the blackboard or other type of responsibilities may help them as well as make them feel important and special.

Address Organization Skills: Most children with attention deficit disorder have a hard time staying organized. Having a set schedule and routine, making checklists, and a system to remember homework can all be beneficial.

Social Skills Activities: Many children may do acceptably academically, but constantly have problems getting along with other children, causing disruptions, or other behavioral conflicts. If recess, assemblies, lunch field trips, or other things are a problem, you can also request special accommodations be made in these areas also.

These are just a few examples of the many classroom accomodations for the ADHD student. These ideas can be incorporated into your child’s IEP plan or discussed with the child’s teacher and principal.

Fortunately, our therapist has shared some excellent travel and vacation tips with us that we found extremely helpful:

Have Games for the Car: Being stuck in the car for hours is no fun for a child who can’t control his or her energy. Having a long list of games to turn to can help make it easier. I Spy, The Alphabet Game, and other car games the whole family can play while driving helps quite a bit. Playing I Spy is as simple as someone giving a clue as to what they see and then everyone else guessing what it is. The Alphabet Game is where you look for the letters A to Z on road signs, license plates, and more.

Have a Few Special Surprises: Vacation is a great time to surprise your child with a new treat. Some kids will be elated with a pack of brand new markers or crayons. Others may be happy with a puzzle. You’ll know your child best and be able to choose something small that will be great to pull out if they start feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t Plan Too Much: If your vacation itinerary starts at 8 am with you finally collapsing at midnight, you’ll likely have a lot of frustration throughout the day. Make sure you allot enough time to really enjoy an activity and also plan for relaxation breaks throughout the day.

Maintain as Much Routine as Possible: When you are on vacation, having a routine can be tricky. Make sure you follow the usual morning/bedtime routines as close as possible. You may also want to consider using a checklist that you make in the morning or the night before of things you will be doing during the day to help your child adjust to the change in routine.

Get Them Involved: Having children involved in the travel plans can help them feel important and special. You will have to think about what your child likes to do the most. For example, if your child loves photography, he or she might have fun being in charge of taking all the pictures for the trip. If your kid is a “where are we, what time is it” type, then they might like a map to help them keep track. Think where your child’s strengths are and how you can use those strengths to be part of the planning and organizing process.

Keep a Vacation Journal: A blank notebook can be a great canvas for older kids to keep a vacation journal. Have them draw a picture of what you did that day or write about what they like so far or something funny that has happened if they are older. This helps them stay on task with school related work, but in a fun way. This is a great activity for when you as parents need some much needed down time.

Travel When it Isn’t Busy: Going somewhere in the peak of the tourist season can be a recipe for disaster if there are large crowds, lots of waiting in line, or being stuck in traffic. Try to go in the off season or times when it isn’t that busy.

Prepare Your Child: If you have a travel brochure or find some pictures online of where you are going and what you will be doing, it can greatly help kids build excitement for the trip without worrying about exactly what will happen. Knowing what they will see ahead of time can help with the over stimulation they might feel at first.

Travel and vacation can be a lot of fun with the whole family when you follow these tips. While there are bound to be a few disruptions and even possibly a few behavioral issues while you are away, you’ll find that planning in advance can greatly help in making summer vacation travel a better experience for you all.

When sending the letter, you will either want to hand deliver it with a written confirmation from the person who sent it, or you can also choose to have it delivered via certified mail with a receipt. The reason for this is because by law the school district must reply and comply with your request for an evaluation to be completed within a reasonable period of time.

It will greatly vary between school districts who exactly the letter should be addressed to, but in general it should be safe to send one copy to the school’s principal, as well as another copy to the school’s director of special education. Making a quick phone call to your school district’s main office will help you locate the appropriate person to contact, as well as how they can be reached.

Here is the sample section 504 letter request:

Date

Education Director Name
School Address

Dear Mr./Ms. ____________,

I am the parent of (your child’s name) who is a student at (school name) in the (grade level, teacher’s class). (Child’s name) has an ADHD/ODD diagnosis and we are concerned about how it is affecting (him/her) academically. Therefore, I wish to request an assessment of my child for appropriate educational services and interventions according to the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

I look forward to working with you as soon as possible to develop an assessment plan to begin the evaluation process. Thank you in advance for your assistance. I can be reached anytime at (your phone number).

Sincerely,

Signed Name
Printed Name
Address
Phone
Email

This letter is effective, and straight to the point. If you have specific concerns, you may also wish to include those. Sending this letter will enable you to set up a meeting with the appropriate department of the school to help evaluate and access your child’s needs at school.

For more information on section 504, and your rights as a parent and your child’s right as a student, you may want to check out the United State’s Department of Education website which explains it in greater detail here.

Every medication has the potential to have negative side effects, even those we consider to be generally “safe” such as Tylenol. Many medications have side effects that are not discovered until numerous years after it has been sold and marketed, simply because different people will have different reactions to different chemicals and foods. There are no two people who are exactly the same, which is why there is no way to know for sure all of the potential effects of taking a medication and how it work and how the body will respond to it. This especially holds true for newer drugs that come on the market. Methylphenidate, which was first available in the 1960’s, has been around long enough that most of the side effects from using it have been discovered and recognized. However, Concerta is only an 8 year old medication and it is important to know that not everyone reports side effects to the FDA. An extremely useful website for determining what findings have been found with medication is the FDA’s MedWatch site.

Here is a brief list of the most common occurrences when taking the medication:

Loss of Appetite
Insomnia
Stomach Cramping
Headache
Irritability, Aggression
Nausea
Sadness, Depression
Dry Mouth
Tics, muscle twitching
Increased Risk for Upper Respiratory Infections

Some of these signs may appear after using the drug just once or for a few days or weeks and then go away after the body has adjusted to the change. For others there may be no symptoms until after they have used it for an extended period of time or dosage has been increased. For many, making small adjustments in dosage amounts have been successful in taking the medication. It should also be noted that children and adults may react differently. It is generally not recommended for children under the age of 6.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s prescriptions, you should speak with your doctor, especially if the symptoms they are experiencing after use are severe or very noticeable. Being able to communicate effectively with the health care professionals you trust will help you be able to make the best and safest decision for your child’s well being and health.

Do you have any experiences with Concerta side effects? Share them in the comments below.