NHS Right to Choose ADHD medication for children and young people

Yes. ADHD medication is generally considered safe when prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. Stimulant medications have been used for decades and are supported by a strong body of research. Regular check-ups help to monitor your child’s response and ensure their safety.

The decision to medicate should be based on how ADHD symptoms affect your child's daily life, including their ability to focus, manage emotions, and maintain social relationships.

If ADHD symptoms are significantly impacting your child’s self-esteem, friendships, or performance in school, medication may help.

Your clinician will work with you to help determine if medication is the right option, along with other support.

Some children may experience a temporary slowing of height or weight gain during the first year or so of treatment. However, studies suggest these changes usually even out over time.

Your child’s growth will be closely monitored during treatment, which is why we ask you to provide up-to-date readings of their height, and weight.

Research shows that, when used as prescribed, ADHD medications do not cause long-term harm to the developing brain. Many young people benefit from medication as part of a wider support plan, helping them thrive at school and at home.

In most children, stimulant medication causes only a small increase in heart rate or blood pressure and is not dangerous. Your child’s health history will be reviewed before starting treatment, and regular monitoring is part of ongoing care.

This is why we ask for up-to-date readings of your child’s blood pressure and pulse before medication begins, and before each follow-up titration appointments afterwards.

In some cases, a clinician may recommend a cardiac auscultation (listening to your child’s heart with a stethoscope) to check everything sounds normal. If this is needed, we’ll work with you to help organise it and make sure you feel fully supported.

It’s a common concern, but ADHD medication is designed to help your child manage symptoms, not change who they are.

Medications like stimulants work to enhance focus and reduce hyperactivity, but they shouldn’t alter your child’s core personality. Many parents report that their child’s personality remains the same, but they are more able to concentrate and engage in tasks.

You could check-in regularly with your child, and talk about how they feel on the medication and the difference it's making for them. Anything you or your child have noticed or are concerned about can be discussed with the clinician during the regular appointments.

ADHD medication is not necessarily a lifelong commitment.

Some children may need it long-term, while others may only need it for a few years to help build focus and manage their symptoms.

Medication is often part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy, skills-building, and support from family and teachers.

You can reassess your child’s needs as they grow and change.

ADHD medication is a tool to help your child manage their symptoms, but it doesn’t mean they’ll be reliant on it forever. It can help them focus, learn new habits, and improve self-regulation.

Many children eventually learn how to manage their ADHD better as they grow older and may not need medication in the long term. The goal is to help your child develop the skills to succeed both with and without medication.

ADHD medication can be an important part of helping your child manage their symptoms, but it can take time to find the right one. Every child responds differently, and it’s not uncommon to try more than one medication or adjust the dose before finding the best fit.

Like all medicines, ADHD medication can cause side effects—though not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects include:

• loss of appetite

• difficulty sleeping

• jitteriness or restlessness

• mood changes or irritability

• headaches or stomach aches

• increased heart rate or blood pressure

These often appear in the first few days of starting or changing a dose and usually settle as your child’s body adjusts. ADHD medication leaves the body quickly, so most side effects wear off within a few hours.

Most side effects can be managed, and if needed, your clinician can adjust the dose or suggest a different medication. You can stop or change the medication at any time in consultation with your clinician.

Finding the right balance is a process, but many parents report meaningful improvements once the right medication and dosage are in place.

It’s important that your child or teenager feels included and listened to when it comes to their care. Wherever possible, decisions about ADHD medication should be made together, with you, your child, and their clinician working as a team. Encourage your young person to share how they’re feeling, ask questions, and talk about any worries or side effects. This helps them feel respected and builds trust.

Your clinician will take time to explain things in a way your child can understand and will check in regularly to make sure the plan still feels right. Helping your child take an active role in their care supports their confidence and wellbeing - now and in the future.

You play a key role. Your views and questions matter, and any decisions should be made together with your clinician, based on what’s best for your child. Open conversations with your child and their care team help ensure the right support is in place.

It’s normal to feel conflicted about the decision to medicate, but ADHD medication isn’t about giving up or controlling behaviour, it’s about helping your child succeed and manage their symptoms.

Think of medication like glasses for someone with vision problems — it helps them function better in daily life. The most important thing is your child’s well-being and ability to thrive, both academically and socially.

This is a common concern. Stimulant medications are controlled substances, but when taken as prescribed, they are not addictive. Your child will be closely monitored to ensure safe and appropriate use. If your child is a teenager or at higher risk, this will be part of the conversation when deciding on treatment.