The safety of many ADHD medications has not been established in children. In many cases, these drugs are not recommended for use in children under the age of 6. Some stimulant medications have been associated with growth suppression in children.

In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that some children and adolescents who use antidepressants and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors may experience thoughts of suicide. Although this is rare, it has led experts to urge that children who take antidepressants for ADHD be closely observed for signs of agitation, irritability and unusual changes in behavior. The major drugs in these classes are required to display the so-called “black box” warning labels that indicate the potential for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Stimulant ADHD medications can be abused and misused when they are taken in higher than prescribed dosages. Parents may want to administer the medication to their children to ensure it is taken as prescribed. Many school districts require that their personnel administer any medication taken during school hours. Despite the potential for abuse of ADHD drugs, recent studies show that correct use of psychostimulant medication for ADHD in children and adolescents does not increase the risk of substance abuse in later life.