When a child with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, gets the right medication, it can make a big difference in their life. It can help them stay focused on their studies, complete their homework, stay focused on their work, and reduce their fidgeting and socializing with others. However, on the other hand, some of the side effects that come with this medication can be a bit of a worry for both the child and you, the parent. But don't worry. Most of the time, we can manage these things. Today, we'll talk about them.
It takes some time to find the right medicine and dose for your child. You have to try different types of medicine and different doses. It's like trying to find the right shoe. Sometimes, even if you find the right medicine, you may experience minor side effects. Therefore, it's very important to pay close attention to your child's changes after starting the medicine. You should tell your doctor about these things. Then he or she can decide whether to change the medicine or increase or decrease the dose. Okay, so now let's look at what these common side effects are and what we can do about them.
1. Loss of Appetite
This is one of the most worrying things you can do as a parent. A nutritious, balanced diet is essential for a child's growth and development. When ADHD medication reduces appetite, your child may not get the calories, vitamins, and other nutrients they need. Imagine how frustrating it is for a mother when her child comes home from school without eating their lunch. But don't worry, there are a few things we can try.
- Feed your child well in the morning and evening: Sometimes, due to lack of appetite , the child may skip meals during the day, or may only eat a small amount of food, such as a cracker or a piece of cheese. Therefore, breakfast and dinner are very important. Make sure to feed your child a nutritious meal that he or she likes at these times.
- Consider short-acting medications: There are some medications that we call ``Long-acting'' or ``Extended Release''. These work throughout the day. Instead, there are ``Short-acting'' medications that wear off after about 3-4 hours. Talk to your doctor about this. Then, by lunchtime, the effect of the medication may wear off and your child may feel hungry.
- Take a break from medication: Ask your doctor if you can stop taking the medication for a day or two during weekends or school holidays. This can help your child regain their appetite and gain weight. But remember, not all children can do this, so never stop taking medication without medical advice.
- Give the medicine after meals: If possible, give the medicine with or after breakfast rather than before breakfast. This can also reduce things like nausea.
- Snack before bed: To make up for not eating well during the day, you can give your child a nutritious snack before bed. Something like yogurt , some fruit, or a glass of milk is good.
2. Sleep Problems
This is also a problem that many children face. ADHD medications are stimulants, so they can keep your child awake. This can happen if the last dose of the day is taken too close to bedtime. Or it can be because a medication that works throughout the day has effects that last until nighttime. But this problem usually subsides over a few weeks. So don't panic right away. Be patient.
But remember, sometimes it's not just the medication that makes you sleepy. It could also be because you've been thinking about too many things all day and your brain is overstimulated.
Therefore, it is very important to completely stop playing video games , watching TV, and using your phone/computer at least an hour before bed. In addition, try these things:
- Make your bedroom suitable for sleeping: When there is light, our body tells us to stay awake. So make the room dark. Cover the windows with thick curtains. If it is hot, put a fan on, if it is cold, give an extra blanket.
- Create a Bedtime Routine: Do the same things at the same time every night before bed. For example, washing your body, then reading a book for about 20 minutes, or writing about the day in a journal can help your child calm down and fall asleep.
- Don't let pets in the bed: When pets sleep in the bed, their movement and writhing can disrupt the child's sleep.
- A calming exercise for sleep: Teach your child this simple thing. Close your eyes and mentally count backwards from 100 to 1. This will help bring your mind back to one place and calm it down.
Let's learn about other common side effects.
In addition to loss of appetite and insomnia, there are several other minor side effects that can occur. Let's look at them in this way.
| Side effect | Description and reasons | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea and Headaches | These may occur early in the medication. This condition usually goes away within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. | Take the medicine with or after food. This will greatly reduce nausea. If the headache persists or is severe, be sure to tell your doctor. |
| Delayed Growth | Some studies have shown that children's height growth may slow down slightly during the first year of taking the medication, but it is said to return to normal after 2-3 years. | The doctor will always monitor the child's height and weight. Talk to the doctor about whether you can take a break from medication on weekends and holidays. (Only on medical advice). |
| Sudden Mood Changes | As the effect of the medication wears off, some children suddenly become irritable, agitated, and cry. This is sometimes called the 'rebound effect'. This means that the dose of medication may be too high, or the medication may not be right for the child. | Give your child a chance to run around and play during the day, letting out any extra energy in their body. Exercise can help with behavior control. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this too. He or she may be able to adjust the medication or dosage. |
Take-Home Message
- ADHD medication is a great help in a child's life. But it's normal to have side effects. Don't worry about it.
- The most common symptoms are loss of appetite, insomnia, nausea, and behavioral changes.
- Pay close attention to any changes in your child and tell your doctor about them. Do not change or stop the dosage of any medication without talking to your doctor.
- These side effects can be largely managed by making simple changes to things like feeding times, bedtime habits, and daily activities.
- Every child is different. So what works for one child may not work for another. Support your child with patience and love. You are not alone, and your doctor is there to help you.
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