U.S. guide helps parents make decisions on ADHD drugs

By Julie Steenhuysen

CHICAGO (Reuters) - When the diagnosis is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the question most parents face is: To medicate or not to medicate?

A new parents' guide to ADHD drugs, released on Tuesday by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association, may offer some help.

It comes in the wake of recent warnings by U.S. regulators about potential heart risks and some other serious side effects associated with ADHD drugs.

"Parents are frightened about medication now," said Soleil Gregg of the advocacy group Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

"I think this guide provides some very balanced information about risks, benefits and how to judge what is best for your child ... whether that includes drug treatment or not," Gregg said.

Millions of people take drugs for ADHD, which is marked by restlessness, impulsiveness, inattention and distractibility that can interfere with a child's ability to pay attention in school and maintain social relationships.

The ADHD Parents Medication Guide, available at ParentsMedGuide.org, was developed by mental health professionals and parent advocacy groups, with no drug company funding.

The guide lists some of the most common side effects of current stimulant drugs to treat ADHD including reduced appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, headaches, stomach pain and irritability. Rare and serious side effects include heart-related problems, hallucinations and agitation, suicidal thoughts and liver problems, it said.