Whether or not to give medication to a child with ADHD is something that parents often think about. Perhaps you have wondered the same about your child. You probably have a lot of questions in your mind, such as what medications are given for this condition called ADHD, how do they work, and whether they will benefit the child or will they cause side effects. Today, we will talk about all of that in a simple way that you can understand.
What is ADHD medication?
Simply put, after a doctor confirms that a child has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) , this medication is given to help the child cope with those symptoms and carry out daily activities.
The most important thing is that these medications cannot completely cure ADHD. However, they can greatly help a child to increase their ability to focus, work more slowly, and gain self-control.
Do children really need ADHD medication?
This is a question that many people ask. Not every child with ADHD necessarily needs medication. However, for many children, this medication helps them pay attention longer, listen better to others, and fidget less.
Just think, this medicine helps with things like listening to the teacher in class, doing homework properly, and so on.
Also, behavioral therapy can be very helpful in helping children learn to manage their behavior, stay organized, and wait their turn without interrupting others. Medication is not a shortcut to this. The child still needs to work hard to learn these behaviors and skills. Medication helps them focus better while they learn these things.
Remember, medication is only one part of the treatment for ADHD. Behavioral therapy, parent training, and school support are all part of it. For many children, a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is the most effective.
How do ADHD medications work?
This is a bit of a scientific matter, but in simple terms, it's like this: ADHD medications work by improving the functioning of certain brain chemicals that are normally present in our brains.
These medications mainly target two chemicals in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine . These two chemicals affect our attention and concentration. So, these medications help to balance these chemicals and help us stay focused.
How do you take ADHD medication?
There are different types of medications for children and young adults with ADHD. These medications are usually taken once or twice a day, depending on the medication. All of these medications must be taken with a doctor's prescription.
Most of these are medications that you take by mouth. They come in the form of tablets, chewable tablets, and dissolvable tablets. Or, they come in the form of capsules that you swallow, or you can open the capsule and add the medicine to food. Some medications come in the form of liquids or patches that you apply to the skin.
What types of medicines are there?
We can mainly talk about two types of medicines:
1. Stimulants
Other major medications in this category include methylphenidate – which you may have heard of under brand names like Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Daytrana – and amphetamines – such as Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse.
Stimulants start working almost immediately after taking the medication. How long they last varies depending on the medication:
- Short-acting medications only work for about 3 to 6 hours.
- Long-acting medications stay in the body for about 10 to 12 hours. These long-acting medications are very useful for older children and young children who have long school days, homework in the evening, and extracurricular activities that require attention.
2. Non-stimulants
Other medications in this class include atomoxetine (also known as Strattera ), clonidine ( brand name Kapvay), guanfacine ( brand name Intuniv), and viloxazine ( brand name Quelbree).
These non-stimulants can take a few weeks to start working, but once they start working, they last for about 24 hours.
How to prescribe medicine?
Before prescribing medication, the health care team will ask you about any other medications your child is taking. This includes over-the-counter medicines, supplements such as vitamins and herbal medicines. They will also want to know your family's medical history , especially if anyone in your family has or has had conditions such as heart disease.
Doctors usually start with a low dose of a stimulant. When your child starts taking a new ADHD medication or a new dose, your doctor will tell you to watch and see if it helps your child. Depending on how much the medication helps and whether your child has any side effects, the doctor will adjust the dose and how often it is given each day.
Every child responds differently to medication. If the first medication given doesn't seem to work even after the highest dose, your doctor may try a different medication. Some children may need to take more than one ADHD medication to get the best results.
How can you help as a parent?
Your help in this matter is very valuable to the child.
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep and eats nutritious meals . These things will go a long way in helping your child manage ADHD.
- Work with your care team to develop a medication schedule that works for your family. They will ask you how your child is doing at home and at school. Talk to your child's teachers regularly to find out more.
- If your child is experiencing any side effects from the medication, tell your child's doctor immediately.
- Take your child to follow-up visits on a regular basis. The medical team will check your child's height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate regularly. They will also check for side effects. As your child gets older, the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted. You may need to see the doctor several times, sometimes weeks or months apart, to find the right medication and dosage for your child. After that, you will need to see your child every 3 to 6 months.
To help your child and prevent problems, do these things:
- Give only the recommended dose.
- Give all medications on time.
- Do not stop taking medication or change the dosage without talking to your doctor.
- Keep all medicines in a safe place out of the reach of others, especially small children.
Are there any risks?
Like any medication, ADHD medications can have side effects. However, not everyone gets side effects.
The most common side effects are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping . In addition, ADHD medications can sometimes cause jitteriness , irritability , moodiness, headaches, stomachaches , fast heart rate , high blood pressure , and sometimes motor tics .
These side effects usually occur in the first few days after starting the medication or when the dose is increased. Most of them go away on their own within a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication.
If a side effect persists, your doctor may decide to lower the dose or stop the medication and start a different one. ADHD medication only stays in your body for a few hours, so the side effects will go away as the medication wears off.
Your child's medical team will tell you more about the possible side effects of the specific medication your child is taking. If you notice anything that worries you or concerns you about your child, talk to your child's doctor right away.
Some parents are reluctant to give their child with ADHD medication. That's understandable. However, giving the right medication, at the right dosage, can make a big difference and provide great relief for many children. Talk to your child's doctor about your fears and concerns. Ask questions. The medical team will help you decide whether it's a good idea to give your child medication or not.
Finally, take-home message
ADHD can be a challenge for a child and their family, but remember, you are not alone.
- ADHD medication is only a way to help a child with daily tasks and focus on learning. It is not a complete solution.
- The best results are achieved when these medications are combined with behavioral therapy, parent training, and support from school.
- If you have any questions or concerns about medication or side effects, discuss them openly with your doctor. Then you can choose the best option for your child.
- Be patient and loving with your child. Your support is a great strength for your child to go through this journey.
We hope this article will help you think about your child's future and make the right decisions.
` ADHD, ADHD medication, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, stimulant, non-stimulant, stimulant, non-stimulant, methylphenidate, amphetamine, atomoxetine, children's mental health, behavioral therapy
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