Advances in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a guide for pediatric neurologists

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.