Methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents (including a review of guidance TA13)
Summary
If a child or adolescent needs treatment with medication for ADHD, methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine are all recommended as possible choices. When deciding which to use, doctors should consider the following:
whether the child or adolescent has other conditions such as epilepsy
the ...
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If a child or adolescent needs treatment with medication for ADHD, methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine are all recommended as possible choices. When deciding which to use, doctors should consider the following:
- whether the child or adolescent has other conditions such as epilepsy
- the side effects of each medicine
- factors that might make it difficult for the person to take the medicine at the right time (for example, if it is difficult to take a dose during school hours)
- the possibility that the medicine might be misused, or passed on to another person for misuse
- the individual preference of the child or adolescent and/or their family or carer.
Where more than one of the medicines is considered to be appropriate for a child or adolescent, their doctor should choose the cheapest one.
Treatment with methylphenidate, atomoxetine or dexamfetamine should only be started after a specialist who is an expert in ADHD has thoroughly assessed the child or adolescent and confirmed the diagnosis. Once treatment has been started it can be continued and monitored by a GP.
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Guidance documents
Implementing this guidance
