Medication

Medication is often part of a total treatment plan for ADHD. But because ADHD can affect each child differently, treatment approaches vary from child to child. For some children, medication and behavioral therapy together may be effective.

ADHD medication falls into 2 categories: nonstimulants and stimulants.

Nonstimulants

INTUNIV is a treatment option for children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 with ADHD. It is a nonstimulant medication. Although it is not known exactly how INTUNIV works, guanfacine, the active ingredient in INTUNIV, is thought to assist in the flow of information within the brain. Learn more about INTUNIV.

Atomoxetine is another type of nonstimulant prescribed for ADHD. Although it is not known exactly how atomoxetine works, it is thought to work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine (NE), a chemical in the brain.

Stimulants

Amphetamine and methylphenidate are stimulants. Although it is not known exactly how these stimulant medications work, it is thought that they work to increase the amounts of the chemicals dopamine (DA) and NE in the brain. DA and NE are chemicals that help send information throughout the brain.