Medication
Evidence-based information to help you understand ADHD medications, make informed decisions, and know what to monitor. Always work with a qualified clinician.
Important
This information is educational, not medical advice. Medication decisions should always be made with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your child. Never start, stop, or change medication without medical guidance.
- Medication is one tool among many - not required, not a cure, but can be helpful
- Stimulants boost dopamine and noradrenaline, improving signal-to-noise in the brain
- Response varies significantly between individuals - finding the right medication and dose takes time
- Monitoring is essential: regular checks of height, weight, heart rate, and wellbeing
- Side effects are usually manageable but should be tracked and discussed with your clinician
Explore Medication
ADHD medications primarily work by increasing the availability of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain.
Dopamine is involved in motivation, reward, and reinforcement learning. In ADHD, dopamine signalling may be less efficient, making it harder to sustain attention on tasks that aren't immediately rewarding.
Noradrenaline helps with alertness and signal-to-noise ratio - filtering out distractions and maintaining focus.
This is why a "stimulant" can actually help someone feel calmer and more focused - it's not sedating them, it's helping their brain filter and prioritise more effectively.