Has your child with ADHD ( attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) started medication? But sometimes the medication doesn't work well or the side effects are a big problem for you. Don't worry, this is something that many parents face. Medication is a very important part of ADHD treatment. But not every child is suitable for the same medication, in the same way. The first medication given may not work exactly. Then you and the doctor need to work together to find the right medication, the right dosage, and the right time. This can take some time. So, let's look at the common problems associated with these ADHD medications and what are the solutions to them.
Is the medicine wrong? Or is it not the right medicine?
Simply put, there are two main types of medication for ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants.
About 8 out of 10 children who use stimulants get good results. That means about 1 in 5 children may not benefit at all from these medications. Also, some children respond better to one type of stimulant than another.
The good thing about these stimulant medications is that they start working quickly . You should see some improvement in your child's behavior and attention within 30 to 90 minutes of giving the medication. That means you'll know right away if the medication isn't working. Then you can go back to the doctor and talk about a different medication.
However, non-stimulant medications take a while to work. For example, a drug like atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) can take about 4 to 6 weeks to work properly. A drug like viloxazine (brand name Qelbree) can take 6 to 8 weeks. So if you start a drug like this, you should give it enough time to work. Don't ask your doctor to change your medication too soon.
Is the medication dose correct?
ADHD medications come in different doses. But there is no standard dose that is appropriate for a child's age, weight, and height. Instead, doctors do a trial of the medication. That means starting with a very low dose and carefully observing how the child responds.
If you don't see any change in your child's behavior, the dose of medication may not be enough. If there is no improvement after 3 to 7 days, the doctor will increase the dose slightly.
On the other hand, side effects may be a sign that the dosage is too high . In such cases, the doctor will reduce the dosage.
So, don't be surprised if it takes a while to find the right dose for your child that controls their symptoms without side effects. As your child gets older and their body gets used to the medication, the dose may need to be adjusted again.
Is the timing of the medication wrong?
`Stimulant` drugs come in two forms:
- Short-acting: These start working within 10-15 minutes and remain active for about 4 hours.
- Long-acting: These are active for between 6 and 12 hours.
Many children prefer `long -acting` medication to stay alert throughout the school day. Because the effect of the medication is the same throughout the day. However, for some children, the effect of this medication wears off before the day is over.
Imagine, your child takes medicine in the morning and goes to school. But by 2-3 in the afternoon, the medicine's effect has worn off, making it difficult to do homework. Or, they lose focus at school.
The best way to find out if this is the right time or not is to keep a small note of when your child takes their medicine.
- What time was the medicine given?
- How long did it take for the medicine to start working?
- How long did the medicine take to wear off?
With this information, you can talk to your doctor and change the time. For example, if the medicine wears off quickly at school, you can give it closer to school in the morning. Or if it's difficult to do homework in the afternoon, you can add a small dose of a `short-acting` medicine after school. All of these should be done only on the advice of your doctor .
| The Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| The medicine doesn't work. | Give the medication enough time to work (especially non-stimulants). If it doesn't work, talk to your doctor about a different medication. |
| The dose is not enough. | If there is no improvement in the child's behavior, talk to the doctor and adjust the dosage. |
| Occurrence of side effects | This could be a sign of an overdose. Talk to your doctor about reducing the dose or changing the timing of your medication. |
| The medicine loses its effectiveness quickly. | Consult your doctor about changing the time you take your medication, switching to a long-acting medication, or adding a short-acting dose. |
What if there are side effects?
ADHD medications work by slightly increasing the levels of two chemicals in the brain. These are `(dopamine)` and `(norepinephrine).` When these levels increase, attention improves. But sometimes, if these levels increase too much, side effects occur.
The best part is that most of these side effects are minor and go away on their own within a few weeks. However, some of them can be uncomfortable for the child.
The most common side effects associated with ADHD medications are:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Appetite
- Slowing growth
- Headache and stomach ache
- Moodiness as the medication wears off
- Tics (such as involuntary twitching of a part of the body)
Not all children experience these. But if your child has any of these, be sure to tell your doctor . You may be able to control these by reducing the dose or changing the time of day you give the medicine. For example, switching to a `short-acting` medicine may help your child fall asleep more easily at night because it wears off more quickly.
Does it interact with other medications?
ADHD medications can interact with other medications your child is taking and cause side effects. For example, taking an asthma medication called albuterol with a stimulant can increase your child's restlessness.
Therefore, whenever you start a new medication for your child, tell your doctor about all other medications your child is taking - including vitamins and other nutritional supplements you buy from the pharmacy.
Finding the right medicine, the right dose, and the right time takes some patience. Give your child time to get used to a new medicine. If there is still no improvement, see your doctor and discuss what to do next. With the variety of medications available today, it's just a matter of time before you find the right medicine for your child.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD medications don't work the same for every child. It may take some time to find the right medication and dosage for your child.
- Do not change the dosage or timing of your medication as you see fit . Always talk to your doctor before making any changes.
- If your child experiences side effects, don't be afraid to tell your doctor. They can often be controlled with simple changes.
- Give your doctor a complete description of all other medications, vitamins, and supplements your child is taking.
- Patience is key during this journey. Maintaining good communication with your doctor will help you achieve the best outcomes for your child.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න