When your doctor tells you that your child has ADHD, the next step may be to start medication. But you may wonder why your doctor doesn't just give you the same dose of medication, but changes it gradually, or sometimes changes the medication altogether. That's the process we're going to talk about today. This is really important.
What is titration? How is it done?
Titration may seem like a big word, but simply put, it means working with your doctor to adjust the dose of medication given to your child so that it is exactly right for them.
The main goal of this is to find the dose of medication that best controls the child's ADHD symptoms, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and has the least side effects. Remember, not every child is the same. Therefore, the same medicine and the same dosage will not work for everyone.
The doctor usually does this:
1. Start with the lowest dose: Start with a very low dose of medication.
2. Gradually increase: Every week or three weeks, you should increase the amount of medication a little, as your doctor tells you.
3. Monitoring: At each of these steps, you and the doctor will be watching closely to see if the child's symptoms are improving or if he or she is experiencing any side effects .
This process is continued until the child's symptoms are well controlled, or until the child develops unbearable side effects. The doctor makes this plan after considering many factors, such as the child's height, weight, the nature of the symptoms, and his daily activities (school time, homework time).
The most important thing is, this is like a team effort. The doctor, you and your child, all three of you, have to go through this journey together.
How long will this take?
This can take several weeks, sometimes even months. So don't panic. Don't worry if the first medicine you give doesn't work. It's normal for some children to have to try two or three different medicines to find the right medicine and dosage. Patience is very important.
How do we know if the medicine is working?
The main symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. With the right dose of medication, you may see your child's symptoms gradually improve.
- The inability to stay in one place and fidgeting like before will decrease.
- I think working without thinking will reduce the workload.
- The time spent focusing on study and assignments increases.
- Teachers at school also say they can see a difference in the child.
What to do about side effects?
Like any medication, ADHD medications can have side effects. These vary depending on the type of medication your child is given. Here are some common side effects that can occur with the most commonly prescribed stimulant medications.
| Common Side Effects |
|---|
| Appetite |
| Weight loss |
| Difficulty falling asleep |
| Stomach ache |
| Headache |
| Spinning |
| Behavioral changes (sadness, irritability, decreased sociability) |
The best part is that most of these side effects go away on their own within a few weeks. So your doctor will tell you to wait a few more days.
However, if you are very worried or suspicious about a side effect, especially if it seems to be getting worse day by day, talk to your doctor immediately. For example, if your child develops repetitive movements (tics) such as blinking or frowning, you should definitely inform your doctor. Never try to stop the medication on your own without asking your doctor. Stopping it suddenly can have dangerous consequences.
If you experience any of the rare but serious side effects (heart problems, liver problems, seeing/hearing things that aren't there, suicidal thoughts), go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately and tell your doctor. Remember that these are very rare.
What is your role as a parent?
You have a big responsibility in this titration process.
- Ask questions: Ask your doctor any questions or concerns you have about the medication or the procedure.
- Monitor carefully: Pay close attention to changes in your child's behavior, how symptoms are improving, and any new side effects.
- Keep notes: Write these things down, like in a diary. The doctor may also give you and your child's teachers special forms (rating scales) to fill out. It is very important to fill these out correctly.
- Regular contact: If there are no problems after the first month, see your doctor again. After that, you should see your doctor about every 3 months to make sure the medication plan is still working for your child. As your child grows and their needs change, the dosage may need to be adjusted.
Main types of medications for ADHD
Medications for ADHD can be divided into several main categories. Only your doctor can make decisions about these.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Stimulants The most commonly used type. Increases dopamine, a brain chemical that affects attention and mood. | Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin), Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin), Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) |
| Non-stimulants These can take several weeks to work. They affect the brain chemical norepinephrine. | Atomoxetine (Strattera), Clonidine (Kapvay), Guanfacine (Intuniv) |
| Other medications Sometimes other classes of medications (antidepressants, high blood pressure medications) are also used to increase attention. | Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Venlafaxine (Effexor) |
Ultimately, ADHD medication is not a "one size fits all" approach. It's like tailoring clothes, and each person's body needs to be individually tailored. By working patiently through this titration process, and maintaining a good relationship with your doctor, you can best support your child to reach their full potential.
Take-Home Message
- Titration is a process that requires patience. It can take weeks or months to find the right dose for your child.
- Talk to your doctor regularly. Share all your questions and fears with him.
- Monitor your child closely. Keep notes on the positive effects of the medication as well as any side effects.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- As your child grows, their needs change. So, see your doctor at least every 3 months to update your medication plan.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න