ADHD Medications

An important part of managing Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the use of medication. The medications currently in use do not cure ADHD. The ultimate goal with medication is to improve functioning by reducing the core symptoms of ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity). Stimulant medications for ADHD work relatively quickly but have several possible side effects and risks to consider.

BC Children's Hospital

Clonidine (Catapres®, Dixarit®)

Clonidine is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD, tic disorders, irritability of autism and disruptive behaviour disorders.

BC Children's Hospital

Guanfacine XR (Intuniv XR®)

Guanfacine XR ia a long-acting non-stimulant medication used in the treatment of ADHD, disruptive behaviour disorders and tic disorders.

BC Children's Hospital

Methylphenidate (Foquest®)

Methylphenidate is used for mental and behavioural symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including difficulties paying attention, impulsive behaviour and hyperactivity.

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Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre

BC Children's Hospital 
Healthy Minds Centre, Building #85, Room P3-302, 3rd floor,
4555 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm

Local Phone: 604 875 2084
Toll-Free: 1 800 665 1822
keltycentre@cw.bc.ca

The BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre is located on the unceded, traditional and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

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Need urgent help?

Call 911 or go to your local hospital’s emergency room if you or anyone else’s safety is at risk and immediate help is needed.

If you or someone you know is thinking about ending their own life, or needs someone to talk to about suicidal thoughts or ideas:

  • Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) for the BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line. Available in over 140 languages using a language service.
  • Call 1-800-588-8717 for the BC KUU-US Indigenous Crisis and Support Line.  
  • Call or text 988 for the National Suicide Crisis Helpline. Available in English and French.

For mental health or substance use crisis support:

  • Call 310-6789 for the BC Mental Health Support Line anytime for emotional support, information and resources. Available in over 140 languages using a language service.

 For commonly asked questions about supports and services in BC, explore our Ask Kelty Mental Health tool.