Other medication options

Other medications that are prescribed for ADHD for use alone or with stimulants include the blood pressure drugs clonidine (Catapres) and guanfacine (Tenex). These medicines can "calm" patients down and help reduce hyperactivity and insomnia symptoms in children with ADHD. In addition, they may decrease the incidence of tics and help children better manage anger.

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There are also several types of antidepressant drugs that are used to treat ADHD, including:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• Nortriptylione (Pamelor)
• Imiprimine (Tofranil)
• Desipramine (Norpramin)

Such drugs affect the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine but may take up to three weeks to take full effect. They are sometimes used as the initial treatment for those who also suffer from significant depression. However, this class of drugs is generally not as effective as stimulants or the newer nonstimulant treatments at improving attention span and concentration. Further, last year the FDA warned that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders, so it's important to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

The FDA is in the process of approving Modafinil (Sparlon), a drug used to treat sleep conditions like narcolepsy and sleep apnea, for children and teens with ADHD.