Let's learn about this medicine for your child with ADHD? (Amphetamine Disintegrating Tablets)

Does your child have trouble sitting still and studying? Or does he often act impulsively and without thinking? If these things affect his schoolwork and relationships with friends, we call it Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ). In such cases, doctors prescribe various medications to help control this condition. That is one of the medications we are going to talk about today.

What is this drug called Amphetamine?

Simply put, amphetamine is a medication used to treat ADHD. It helps your child stay focused and reduce impulsiveness .

This belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants . The word "stimulant" may scare you. But what it does is slightly increase the activity of certain parts of the brain, making the nerve messages that control attention and behavior work properly. It's like picking up the signal on a slightly distorted radio.

In this article, we are talking about ``Disintegrating Tablets``, which are the type of tablets that dissolve in the mouth. Another name for these is ``ODT (Orally Disintegrating Tablet)``. These are easy to use, especially for young children who do not like to swallow tablets.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

This is very important. It is essential to tell the doctor the complete truth about your or your child's health condition. Because this medicine is not suitable for people with certain diseases , or it should be given with great caution. Therefore, if you or your child has any of the conditions below, be sure to tell the doctor.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This is a tablet that dissolves in the mouth, so the method of use is a little different. Do it exactly like this.

1. Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor. This will help keep the medicine working consistently.

2. Do not open the packet until you are ready to take the pill: The pill is in a sealed packet. Only open it when you are ready to take the pill.

3. Hands should be dry: If you touch the tablet with wet hands, it may start to melt in your hand. So, carefully remove the tablet with dry hands .

4. If the pill is broken or crushed: If this happens, throw away the pill and get a new one. Do not give broken pieces, as this will result in an inaccurate dose.

5. Place the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve: Place the tablet directly on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve in a few seconds. No water is needed.

6. Swallow after dissolving: Swallow the tablet after it has completely dissolved.

7. Do not chew, crush, or cut: This is the most important thing. This pill is designed to dissolve in your mouth. So , never chew or crush it. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.

8. With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

We all forget things. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take double doses to make up for a missed dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you accidentally take more medicine than your doctor has prescribed, it could be an emergency. If this happens, take the person to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . Or, if possible, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

"Interaction" means that another medicine, food, or drink you take can change the way this amphetamine works. It can increase or decrease the strength of the medicine, or it can cause dangerous side effects .

So tell your doctor about everything you use. That means:

• Medicines prescribed by doctors for other diseases
• Medicines that can be purchased from the pharmacy without a prescription
• Vitamins and herbal supplements
• If you use alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs, tell them about it too.

The medications below can interact severely with this amphetamine.

Additionally, this medication can interact with a number of other medications. For example, some antidepressants, migraine medications (triptans), pain relievers (opioids), vitamin C, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Therefore, it is safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• See your doctor regularly: After starting the medication, take your child for checkups at the scheduled times as directed by your doctor. This is very important to see if the medication is working, the dosage is correct, and if there are any side effects.
• Risk of addiction: When this medicine is used for a long time, especially if you take more than the prescribed dose, the body and mind can become accustomed to it, which means there is a possibility of addiction. That is why it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions.
• "Drug Holidays": Sometimes your doctor may tell you to stop giving your child this medication for a while during weekends or school holidays. This can reduce the risk of addiction. But never stop taking the medication on your own. Talk to your doctor before making that decision.
• Stopping the medication: If your doctor decides to stop the medication, it will not be done all at once. The dosage will be gradually reduced. This is done to reduce the withdrawal effects that come with stopping suddenly.
• Sleep effects: Because this is a stimulant, it may be difficult to fall asleep if taken in the evening or at night. Therefore, it is usually given in the morning.
• Appetite: Your child may have a decreased appetite during the initial stages of the medication. The best way to deal with this is to feed them small, nutritious meals frequently rather than large meals at once. For example, you can give them snacks like a banana, yogurt, or a glass of fruit juice. If this continues, tell your doctor.
• Child's growth: It is important to regularly measure the height and weight of children taking this medication, as appetite may have a small effect on growth. The doctor will also regularly check for this.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of them and take action quickly if necessary.

How to keep medicine safe?

• Keep away from children and pets: This is very important. It is best to keep it in a locked place where children cannot easily reach it.
• Protect against theft: Since this medicine can be misused, some people may steal it. So keep it in a safe place.
• Store at room temperature: Typically, store at a temperature between 20-25 degrees Celsius. Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Disposing of leftover or expired medications: When you run out of medication or when it has expired, you should throw it away. The best way is to ask the hospital or pharmacy where you get your medication if they accept it. If not, take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a sealable bag, and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.