title: Advances in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a guide for pediatric neurologists.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to assist pediatric neurologists in practice and in training to better understand and distinguish between several of the most commonly prescribed treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in school-aged children. Among the various pharmacotherapies available for ADHD, 4 specific medications will be reviewed: oral release osmotic system methylphenidate hydrochloride (CON; Concerta, McNeil Pharmaceuticals), lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX; Vyvanse, Shire Pharmaceuticals), atomoxetine (ATX; Strattera, Eli Lilly), and guanfacine extended-release (GXR; Intuniv, Shire Pharmaceuticals). This article contains information including medication-release pattern, administration including available dosing, adverse reactions, and case studies to serve as a guide to help determine when a particular treatment might be more appropriate than another. Although ADHD is apparent across the lifespan, this article will focus on children with ADHD from ages 6 to 12 years old. Importantly, although a number of stimulant and nonstimulant treatment options are available for school-aged children diagnosed with ADHD, choosing the best treatment options is highly dependent on obtaining thorough family and medical histories.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Child Development Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92612, USA. sbwigal@uci.edu
authors.forename: Sharon B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Wigal
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chae
authors.forename: Avni
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Steinberg-Epstein
mesh_terms: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016316:Guanfacine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000069478:Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011437:Propylamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D008774:Methylphenidate; D016316:Guanfacine; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D000069478:Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine