What Is ADHD Medicine?
If ADHD has been diagnosed in a child, doctors may suggest medication to address the disorder. Medication is not a treatment for ADHD. On the other hand, it does help with attention, slowness, and self-control.
Why Do Kids Need ADHD Medicine?
Not every child with ADHD needs to take medication. Nevertheless, the majority of ADHD kids can focus for longer stretches of time, listen more clearly, and fidget less with medication.
Children who receive behavioral therapy are able to acquire and practice self-organization and waiting their turn without interfering. Schooling for medicine isn’t a magic bullet; kids still need to practice these skills. Medication has the benefit of keeping kids interested in what they are learning.
How Does ADHD Medicine Work?
ADHD drugs improve focus by encouraging normal brain chemistry to function properly.
The medications target dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain specifically. These drugs affect a person’s ability to concentrate and pay attention.
How Do People Take ADHD Medicine?
Children and adolescents with ADHD may require different drugs. A prescription is needed for all ADHD drugs.
Children and teenagers with ADHD usually take their medicine once or twice a day, depending on the brand.
Stimulants
Among these drugs are amphetamines, which go by the names Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse, and methylphenidate, which is sold under the brands Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, and Focalin.
A child’s response to a stimulant is immediate onset. They could last, depending on the drug, for:
The shelf life of short-acting formulas is four hours.
Long-acting formulas are retained by the body for approximately 10 to 12 hours. Long-acting stimulants may be helpful for older kids and teenagers who have a busy school day and need medication to stay focused for homework or extracurricular activities.
Non-stimulants
These drugs include atomoxetine (Strattera), clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). Non-stimulants may take a few weeks to start working. They are operational all year long.
Before writing a prescription, the medical staff will ask if your child is on any other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs and supplements (such vitamin- or herbal-based treatments). The care team will also be interested in learning about your family’s medical history, especially if there are any family members who now or in the past have had heart disease.
Doctors usually advise starting with a modest dose of a stimulant drug. If your child is taking a new ADHD medication or dosage, the doctor will want you to monitor them to determine if the drug is working. The doctor will modify the dosage and schedule of medication based on how well it works and whether your child is having side effects.
Different children respond differently to drugs. If the previous medicine doesn’t seem to work, even at the greatest dosage, a doctor might try a different one. Some youngsters may need to take more than one ADHD medication in order to achieve the best outcomes.
How Can Parents Help?
Notify the doctor caring for your child if you see any negative drug responses.
It could be required for you to visit the physician more than once. It could take weeks or months to locate your child’s medication and dosage. After that, your child will need to be seen by the care team every three to six months.
Keep all of your child’s follow-up appointments. It is essential that the care staff measure your child’s height, weight, and blood pressure. Additionally, the medical professionals will look for negative reactions. It’s possible that the dosage of the drug will change as your child gets older.
When giving your child ADHD medication, always follow these guidelines to support them and avoid issues: Give the recommended dosage.
Ensure that every medication is taken on time.
Before changing or stopping the drug, speak with a doctor.
Every medication needs to be stored in a secure area, out of the reach of others.
Medication is one part of the treatment for ADHD. Additional elements of treatment include school support, parent education, and therapy. Medication works best when parents, teachers, and therapists help kids catch up on any behavioral, emotional, or social skills that they may be missing because of ADHD.
Are There Any Risks?
Like any other medication, ADHD medications may have side effects. But not everyone experiences adverse effects.
Loss of appetite and difficulties sleeping are the most common side effects. Other side effects of ADHD drugs include jitteriness, irritability, moodiness, headaches, stomachaches, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
The first few days of taking a new drug or increasing the dosage are usually when side effects start to show up. They often disappear on their own after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine.
If an undesirable affect doesn’t go away, a doctor can decide to alter the medicine or cut the dosage instead of treating it. Because ADHD drugs only last in the body for a few hours, their side effects disappear as soon as they leave the body.
You will receive further information about possible adverse effects for the specific drug that your child’s medical team has recommended. If you find anything that worries you, take your child to the doctor right away.
Some parents find it upsetting to consider medicating their child for ADHD. Nonetheless, the majority of kids can gain a lot by taking the right medication. Talk to your child’s doctor about your concerns. Ask questions. With the help of their medical team, you may decide if it’s the right thing to give your child medication.
