When your child is diagnosed with ADHD ( Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ), the next big question that comes to mind is, "Do I need to give him medication now?" You may be very scared and have a lot of questions about this medication. That's normal. Every child is different, so what works for one child may not work for another. Today, we'll talk about your feelings as parents about this ADHD medication and the solutions available.
Why do doctors prescribe medication for ADHD?
Simply put, ADHD is a slight change in the way certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your child's brain work. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help correct this chemical imbalance. This medication can help your child:
- You can pay more attention .
- It's easier to focus on studying.
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity are controlled.
- Forgetfulness decreases and you become more organized.
This can improve a child's schoolwork , relationships with friends, and even their relationships with family.
Parents' biggest fears and questions about medication
It's natural to have these questions in mind before starting medication. Let's look at them one by one.
1. Fear of side effects
This is the biggest fear that many parents have. Some children do well on medication without any side effects. But some children may experience minor discomfort. Don't worry, most of these things can be managed.
| Common side effects | Things you can do |
|---|---|
| Appetite | Offer nutritious foods that the child likes to eat when the effects of the medicine are less pronounced (e.g. in the evening). |
| Insomnia problems | This can be fixed by changing the time you take the medication or switching to a different type of medication. Talk to your doctor. |
| Headache , stomach ache | These usually go away as the body gets used to the medication. |
| Restlessness, quick temper | Talk to your doctor to see if the dose of the medicine is too high. |
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor immediately if you notice anything like this. He or she may be able to adjust the dosage, change the time of day you take the medication, or switch you to a different medication.
2. Will it affect the child's development?
This is a question that many parents ask. Some studies have shown that a child's growth rate may slow down slightly during the initial period of taking medication. However, most recent research suggests that ADHD medication does not significantly affect a child's final height (adult height). There is nothing to worry about, as the doctor will regularly check the child's height and weight.
3. Will the child's personality change? (Will they become like a 'zombie'?)
ADHD medications work by slightly increasing the level of a chemical called dopamine in the brain. This increases the child's attention span, but does not change their actual personality.
However, if you notice that your child is quieter, less emotional, or more like a "zombie," it could be a sign that the dose of the medication is too high . If you notice this, tell your doctor immediately. This condition will usually go away once the dose is reduced.
4. Will I become addicted to the medicine?
This is also a very important question. Research shows that children with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing drug or alcohol abuse in their youth. But that is because of the ADHD condition, not the medication.
In fact, some studies have found that taking medication correctly, as prescribed by the doctor, in the correct dosage, can help control ADHD symptoms, thereby reducing the aforementioned risk.
However, the risk only exists if the child misuses the medication . That is, taking more than the doctor prescribed, crushing the pills, and snorting them. Therefore, care must be taken when giving medication to the child.
What are the special cases in which medication is not recommended?
Some children may not be able to take medication for ADHD due to other medical conditions. If your child has any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor before starting medication.
| Medical condition/history | Matter of concern |
|---|---|
| Heart disease or blood vessel problems | Some ADHD medications can affect heart rate and blood pressure. |
| Glaucoma condition | Eye pressure may increase. |
| Having Tourette's syndrome or a family history of it | Tics may increase. |
| Severe anxiety or stress | These situations can sometimes escalate. |
| Having a history of drug or alcohol use | Other treatment options will be considered due to the risk of misuse. |
So what can you do without medicine?
Whether you don't want to give medication, or you want to give it along with medication, behavior management is essential for a child with ADHD. It helps to change the child's behavior patterns for the better.
- Parent Training: You can learn how to understand your child's behavior, how to respond to it appropriately, and how to teach your child good habits.
- Classroom Intervention: You can talk to teachers about things like having the child sit at the front of the class and giving them assignments in chunks to make it easier for them to pay attention.
- Good communication: It is very important to have a good relationship between the child, parents, teachers, and the doctor.
Managing ADHD is a journey. Sometimes it can take a while to find the right treatment. The most important thing is to be patient, treat your child with love, and work together with your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- The decision to medicate for ADHD is entirely yours. It is not the only solution, just one of the options available.
- Discuss all your fears and questions about medication openly with your doctor.
- Side effects are not something everyone experiences, but even if they do occur, most of them can be managed.
- Behavior management is very important for the child, whether medication is given or not.
- Never change the dosage or stop taking medication without asking your doctor.
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