As a parent of a child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), you may be a little apprehensive and hesitant about starting your child on medication. That's normal. We know how much these medications can help your child with schoolwork, daily activities , and home life. But like all medications, they can have some side effects. The important thing is to be aware of them, be well-informed, and be prepared to discuss anything with your doctor.
Before starting a new medication for your child, or changing the type or dosage of medication, it is a good idea to keep a record of your child's normal habits (eating, sleeping patterns, behavior). This will help you identify any changes after starting the medication, and if they are due to side effects, it will be easier to identify them. It is normal to experience minor side effects in the early days. It can take a few days or weeks for your child's body to adjust to the new medication.
Common side effects that are often seen
These are the most common and not very serious side effects. However, if these are still causing discomfort to your child, you should talk to your doctor.
Difficulty falling asleep
The most common type of medication used for ADHD is stimulants . These medications increase the levels of chemicals in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. This stimulant effect can make it difficult for a child to fall asleep at night, especially when the medication is first started.
What can be done?
Often, this problem can be solved by changing the time your child takes the medicine. For example, giving the medicine in the morning can help reduce its effect at night. Or, you can switch from a long-acting medicine to a short-acting medicine that works over several hours. This should only be done under the advice of your doctor .
Some children are given non-stimulant medications , such as guanfacine and clonidine. These can sometimes have the opposite effect, causing daytime sleepiness. In such cases, this can be controlled by giving the medication close to bedtime or by splitting the dose into two doses per day.
Appetite
If you are taking a stimulant medication, your child may not want to eat for the first few hours after taking the medication. This is very common. This usually goes away after a few weeks. Alternatively, you can give the medication after a good, nutritious breakfast . Then, you can eat a small snack during the day, and then have a good dinner when the effects of the medication wear off in the evening. However , if your child is losing weight, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Headache and stomach ache
It's common to experience a slight headache, stomach ache, and nausea when starting a new medication. These usually go away within a few days or weeks. Giving your child the medication with food can help reduce this discomfort.
Irritability and mood swings (Rebound Effect)
ADHD medication only works while it is in the body. This can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. When the effects of the medication wear off, which can be in the evening or at night, the child may suddenly become very irritable and angry at even the smallest things (a rebound effect).
At times like these, planning your child's activities around that time can make a big difference. For example, starting homework after dinner, or giving them a calming bath or reading a book before bed can help. Sometimes, the doctor may recommend giving a small, short-term dose of medication in the evening (booster dose).
Serious side effects that require immediate attention
These are very rare, but if you see something like this, you should talk to your doctor immediately before giving another dose of the medication.
| Serious side effects | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Hallucinations | Seeing things that aren't there (like insects), hearing sounds that aren't there, and feeling irrationally afraid (paranoia). Report any unusual behavior like this to your doctor immediately. |
| Suicidal thoughts | Children with ADHD and depression are at a small risk of having these thoughts, especially when taking medications like atomoxetine. If you have any concerns, call your doctor immediately . |
| Personality changes | As the dose of medication increases, some children may become "zombie-like," feeling numb and detached from the world. If your child is constantly crying and withdrawn, talk to your doctor about changing the medication. |
| Tics | Tics may occur, such as frequent eye blinking, facial expressions, and throat clearing. It is not clear whether these are new or worsening due to the medication. If this is a problem for the child in social situations, talk to the doctor about switching to another medication. |
| Heart problems | Although safe for healthy children, stimulants can cause problems for those at risk for heart disease. If your child or family member has a history of heart disease, birth defects, or an irregular heartbeat, be sure to tell your doctor before starting the medication . |
| Liver damage | Atomoxetine can very rarely cause liver damage. If your child has yellowing of the skin, dark urine, fever, or upper abdominal pain, call your doctor right away. |
Does it have an impact on the child's development?
This is a question that many parents have. There was a belief that stimulant medications could have an effect on growth hormones by causing loss of appetite and increasing dopamine levels. Therefore, there was a fear that it would affect height and weight growth.
However, recent research shows that this effect, even if it exists, is often temporary . Studies have found that children who take medication for ADHD are no shorter as adults than those who do not take medication.
The most important thing is for the doctor to monitor the child's height and weight throughout the time the child is taking the medication. The improvement in the child's behavior may be worth more than this temporary growth effect. That decision is something you and your doctor should make together.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD medication is a great help for a child, but like all medications, it can cause minor side effects .
- Most side effects (insomnia, loss of appetite) are minor and go away over time.
- Always talk to your doctor before changing the timing, dosage, or type of medication. Never make decisions alone.
- Pay attention to your child's normal behavior before starting medication. This will make it easier to recognize changes.
- Serious side effects such as hallucinations and heart symptoms are rare, but if you experience any of these, seek medical advice immediately .
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. Together, you and the doctor will decide what is best for your child.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment