I have an ADD/ADHD child who is in trouble day and night. What medications are likely to be helpful?

I have an ADD/ADHD child who is in trouble day and night. What medication is most likely to be effective in this situation?

Clearly, a 24 hour ADD/ADHD medication is ideal. Strattera should be the drug of first choice. Desipramine, an old drug, is my second choice because it is more complicated to prescribe. Both of these medications are effective 24-hours a day, should be taken by mouth only once a day, and are effective in about 80% of ADD/ADHD children.

The stimulants, Wellbutrin SR, or trazodone may be helpful if Strattera or desipramine are not of adequate benefit.

In a small number of instances, an SSRI antidepressant medication by itself can be very helpful. Generally, however, SSRI medications, if prescribed, will not provide adequate treatment of ADD/ADHD unless taken along with a stimulant medication.