Medications for ADHD and Mental Health

Deciding to Start Medication


Preschool-aged children:
Parent behavior training is the first-line treatment. Medication may be considered when needed.



School-aged children, teens, and adults:
Medication—particularly stimulant medication—is the first-line treatment for ADHD.


Anxiety and Depression:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment for anxiety and depression in older children, adolescents, and adults. Medication may be added if symptoms are severe, therapy alone is not effective, or therapy is not accessible. Combining therapy with medication often leads to better outcomes.

Follow-Up Requirements When Starting Medication


If medication is prescribed, a follow-up visit must occur within 28 days to assess response and side effects.
We strongly recommend scheduling this follow-up at the same time as your initial visit.


If this visit does not occur within 28 days, we may be unable to continue prescribing due to insurance regulations. These requirements are set by insurers, not by our practice, and failure to comply can place providers at risk.

Genetic Testing and Medication Selection



Routine genetic (pharmacogenomic) testing is not recommended before starting medications for ADHD, anxiety, or depression.

Research shows:

  • No meaningful improvement in symptom response or side effects compared to standard prescribing.
  • Testing may lead providers to choose non–first-line medications that have less evidence and higher side-effect risk.

Professional organizations, including the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, advise against routine use of these tests.

For more:

Titrating (Adjusting) Medications


When starting or changing a medication, please track and report:

  • All current medications and supplements
  • Mood and behavior at home and school
  • Changes in sleep or appetite
  • Focus and attention changes
  • Any side effects
  • Whether the dose feels appropriate or needs adjustment

Medication trackers are available:

  • Version 1 is best to track when you take multiple medications that affect your mood and focus.
  • Version 2 is best to track when you are titrating different amounts of a single medication.

Swallowing Pills


For information/help on swallowing pills and giving other medications, see our Tips On Getting Kids to Take Medicine.

Medication Cost and Coverage


If cost is a concern, visit the Economic and Financial Help section of our Community Resources page.


You can also check your insurance formulary for covered medications. A helpful reference is:
👉 www.adhdmedicationguide.com (safe to use; requires agreement to terms)

Ongoing Care for ADHD Medications


  • Follow-up visits typically occur every 3 months once stable (more often if changes are needed) per regulatory guidelines
  • Dose changes should always be discussed with your prescriber
  • Prescriptions are usually written to last until the next scheduled visit. There are no refills allowed, but we can send multiple prescriptions to cover each month until the next visit. It is important that you ask for the next prescription, not a refill. Stimulant medications cannot be auto-refilled.
  • We can send up to three monthly prescriptions at a time when appropriate.
  • See Why Showing Up for ADHD Visits Matters to learn why it is important to follow up as recommended
  • See our ADHD Medication Page for details about the medications used for ADHD management.

Anxiety & Depression Medications (SSRIs)


SSRIs are the most commonly used medications for anxiety and depression. They work by increasing serotonin availability in the brain.


Key points:

  • All SSRIs work similarly, though individuals may respond differently
  • Side effects often improve after the first few weeks
  • If one SSRI is not tolerated, another may work better


Common side effects include:

  • Nausea, headache, or dizziness
  • Sleep changes
  • Agitation or restlessness
  • Appetite or weight changes
  • Sexual side effects 


Important safety information:

  • All antidepressants carry a warning about possible increased suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment or after dose changes BUT most people experience improved mood and reduced suicide risk over time
  • Monitor closely and contact your provider immediately for concerning changes


Serotonin Syndrome (rare but serious):
Symptoms include agitation, confusion, fever, sweating, tremor, rapid heart rate, and blood pressure changes. Seek immediate medical care if these occur.



Do not stop antidepressants suddenly.
Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, flu-like feelings, and anxiety. Always taper under medical guidance.

Additional Resources



  • ParentsMedGuide.org has free downloadable guides for ADHD medications, Depression medications, and Bipolar Medications.
  • CHADD has a podcast to explain ADHD medications.
  • Melatonin Dosing Guide from Dr Craig Canapari. (Both ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental brain differences that have been shown to benefit from melatonin use along with other sleep behavioral tools. Most children do not need melatonin.)