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Alternatives to Metadate
Common alternatives to Metadate include lifestyle changes, nonstimulant ADHD medications, and other stimulants. Lifestyle changes usually consist of social, educational, and mental therapy. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine ER, and off-label ADHD medicines. Other stimulants include methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine, or dexmethylphenidate.
Metadate ER® (methylphenidate extended-release) is a prescription medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Metadate CD® (methylphenidate extended-release) is a longer-acting version licensed to treat just ADHD.
Metadate is generally effective in treating ADHD symptoms, and most children tolerate it quite well. However, as with all medicines, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not adequately control ADHD. Fortunately, several alternatives to Metadate are available for the treatment of ADHD.
Some of these alternatives include:
- Lifestyle changes, including behavioral therapy
- Other stimulant ADHD medications
- Nonstimulant ADHD medications.
(Click Narcolepsy Treatment for information about alternatives to Metadate for the treatment of this condition.)
Whether or not ADHD medications are used, several steps can be taken to help children with ADHD. Helping the child develop a routine is often useful, as are systems to keep the child organized (such as notebooks or binders for homework).
Be sure to talk to your child's school about a 504 plan. This plan, named after the law that requires public schools to accommodate children with disabilities, outlines the steps the school will take to help your child do his or her best at school. The 504 plan also addresses how your child will receive medication at school.
Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy. Different types of therapy are available for ADHD, including:
- Psychotherapy
- Behavior therapy
- Social skills training
- Support groups
- Parenting skill training
- Behavioral interventions.
Sometimes, only the child with ADHD needs counseling support. However, in many cases (because the problem affects the family as a whole), the entire family may need help. If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in improving symptoms of ADHD, medications (such as Metadate) may be necessary.
(Click Behavior Therapy for ADHD for more information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD