ADHD Medication: A Guide for Parents

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common conditions diagnosed in childhood, and medication is often part of an effective treatment plan. For many families, deciding whether to start ADHD medication — and understanding how it works once treatment begins — raises a lot of questions. This guide walks parents and caregivers through the basics: the difference between stimulant and non-stimulant medications, how doctors find the right dose, what side effects to watch for, and when to call your child's doctor right away. It also covers how medication fits alongside behavioral therapy, school support, and ongoing monitoring of your child's growth and wellbeing.

This page summarizes guidance from the ADHD: Parents Medication Guide, developed by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). For the complete guide, download the full PDF below. As always, decisions about ADHD medication should be made together with your child's pediatrician or treating clinician, who can account for your child's specific health history and needs.

DownloAd the ADHD Parents Medication Guide