What is ADHD?
Almost all children have behavior issues from time to time. But, for children with ADHD, behavior problems are persistent and occur over a long period of time. For a child with ADHD, their symptoms can create challenges all day, every day — at home, at school and at play. That can make both child and parent feel frustrated and alone.
ADHD is a real and treatable medical condition that affects 5 million children in the United States. ADHD symptoms fall into 3 basic subtypes, which include inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive …

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurs in both children and adults. ADHD is commonly treated with stimulants, such as:
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta, Daytrana)
Amphetamine (Adderall)
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat).
In 2002, the FDA approved the nonstimulant medication atomoxetine (Strattera) for use as a treatment for ADHD. In February 2007, the FDA approved the use of the stimulant lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) for the treatment of ADHD in children ages 6 to 12 years.
What are the side effects?
Most side effects are minor and disappear when dosage levels are lowered. The most common side effects include:
Decreased appetite. …

The Side Effects Of Common Psychiatric Drugs: Psychostimulants
BRAND NAMES (generic names):
1. Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)
2. Benzedrine (amphetamine sulfate)
3. Concerta (methylphenidate)
4. Cylert (pemoline – removed from the market)
5. Daytrana (methylphenidate – skin patch)
6. Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride)
7. Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate)
8. Dextrostat (dextroamphetamine)
9. Equasym (methylphenidate)
10. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
11. Metadate (methylphenidate)
12. Methylin (methylphenidate hydrochloride)
13. Provigil (modafinil)
14. Ritalin (methylphenidate)
15. Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine)

Ritalin (methylphenidate)
How does Ritalin work? What will it do for me?
Methylphenidate belongs to the family of medications known as stimulants. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (uncontrollable need to sleep) in children over 6 years old and adults. It helps to increase attention and decrease restlessness in children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Other measures (e.g., psychological, educational, and social therapies) are used along with methylphenidate as part of an overall treatment program for ADHD. This medication also helps to stimulate …