Update on drugs for hyperactivity in childhood.

In 2001, we concluded that methylphenidate or dexamfetamine can be useful adjunctive therapy for children with severe hyperactivity in whom non-drug approaches alone have been inadequate. Since then, atomoxetine (pronounced a-toe-moks-e-teen; Strattera - Lilly) and three modified-release formulations of methylphenidate have been launched for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here we reconsider drugs for ADHD in childhood, focusing on the newer products.