Show Notes
ADHD Parenting Podcast – Episode 66: Understanding ADHD Medications: What Parents Need to Know – Part Two
Hosts Ryan and Mike continue their two-part deep dive into ADHD medications by walking through the actual medication categories and how they differ. They cover the two stimulant families — methylphenidate-derived (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Jornay PM) and amphetamine-derived (Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine) — and explain why a poor response to one class doesn't mean all stimulants will fail. From there they break down alpha agonists like clonidine and guanfacine, non-stimulants including Strattera and Qelbree, and the role SSRIs play when anxiety or depression co-occurs with ADHD. They also address the growing reality that pediatricians and nurse practitioners — not psychiatrists — are now the primary prescribers of ADHD medication due to a severe nationwide shortage that isn't getting better. The episode closes with a reminder that parents don't need to become medication experts; they need enough knowledge to ask better questions and partner effectively with their child's prescriber.
Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IG
Find Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube
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[00:00:00] Start
[00:01:35] The Two Stimulant Families Explained
[00:03:42] Why Finding the Right Medication Takes Time
[00:05:11] Alpha Agonists: A Different Category
[00:06:44] Non-Stimulants: Strattera and Qelbree
[00:09:40] SSRIs and ADHD: Separate but Related
[00:11:12] Why Pediatricians Now Prescribe Most ADHD Meds
[00:13:11] Conclusion and Key Takeaways