After diagnosing ADHD in youngsters, doctors could provide medication to address symptoms. Medication is not a treatment for ADHD. It does, however, enhance a child’s ability to concentrate, be slow, and exercise self-control.

Why Do Kids Need Medicine for ADHD?

Why Do Kids Need ADHD Medicine?

 Nevertheless, the majority of ADHD kids can focus for longer stretches of time, listen more clearly, and fidget less with medication.

Children who receive behavioral therapy are able to acquire and practice self-organization and waiting their turn without interfering. Schooling for medicine isn’t a magic bullet; kids still need to practice these skills. Medication has the benefit of keeping kids interested in what they are learning.

Medication is one part of the treatment for ADHD. Additional elements of treatment include school support, parent education, and therapy. Medication works best when parents, teachers, and therapists help kids catch up on any behavioral, emotional, or social skills that they may be missing because of ADHD. For the most part, children who receive both medicine and treatment benefit.

How Do ADHD Medicines Work?

ADHD drugs improve focus by encouraging normal brain chemistry to function properly.

The medications target dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain specifically. These drugs affect one’s ability to concentrate and pay attention.

How Do People Take ADHD Medicine?

Children and adolescents with ADHD may require different drugs. They usually take medications once or twice a day, depending on the kind. A prescription is needed for all ADHD drugs. Most of them are taken orally. They come in tablet form, which can be broken open, ingested, or sprinkled over food. Tablet form can be chewed, consumed, or dissolved. Some are used topically in the form of liquids or patches.

Stimulants

Among these drugs are stimulants like amphetamines (like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse) and methylphenidate (marketed under the names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Daytrana).

A stimulant begins to act as soon as it is consumed. They could last, depending on the drug, for:

Short-acting formulas have a 3–6 hour shelf life.

Long-acting formulas are retained by the body for about 10 to 12 hours. Long-acting stimulants may be helpful for older kids and teenagers who have a busy school day and need medication to stay focused for homework or extracurricular activities.

Non-stimulants

These drugs include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), clonidine (Kapvay), and viloxazine (Quelbree). Non-stimulants may take a few weeks to start working. After that, they work for the entire day.

Before writing a prescription, the medical staff will ask if your child is on any other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs and supplements (such vitamin- or herbal-based treatments). The care team will also be interested in learning about your family’s medical history, especially if there are any family members who now or in the past have had heart disease.

Doctors usually advise starting with a modest dose of a stimulant drug. If your child is taking a new ADHD medication or dosage, the doctor will want you to monitor them to determine if the drug is working. The doctor will modify the dosage and schedule of administration based on how well the drug works and whether your child has any side effects.

Different children respond differently to drugs. If the previous medicine doesn’t seem to work, even at the greatest dosage, a doctor might try a different one. Some youngsters may need to take more than one ADHD medication in order to achieve the best outcomes.

How Can Parents Help?

Make sure your child eats a balanced diet and follows a set sleep routine. With this, they can manage their ADHD more effectively.

Work with the care team to develop a medication schedule that suits your family’s needs. They will want to know how your child is doing in school and at home. Stay in touch with your child’s teachers to find out how things are going.

Notify the doctor caring for your child if you see any negative drug responses.

Take your child with you to all of the examinations. It is imperative that your child’s height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse rate be measured by the medical professionals. Additionally, the medical professionals will look for negative reactions. It’s possible that the dosage of the drug will change as your child gets older. You might need to make several trips to the doctor in order to find your child the right drug at the right dosage, which could take weeks or months. After that, your child will need to be seen by the care team every three to six months.

To assist your youngster and avoid issues:

Apply the recommended amount.

Ensure that every medication is taken on time.

Before changing or stopping the drug, speak with a doctor.

Every medication needs to be stored in a secure area, out of the reach of others.

Are There Any Risks?

ADHD medications might have side effects just like any other medication. But not everyone experiences adverse effects.

Loss of appetite and difficulties sleeping are the most common side effects. Other side effects of ADHD drugs include jitteriness, irritability, moodiness, headaches, stomachaches, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and motor tics.

The first few days of taking a new drug or increasing the dosage are usually when side effects start to show up. They often disappear on their own after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine.

If an undesirable affect doesn’t go away, a doctor can decide to alter the medicine or cut the dosage instead of treating it. Because ADHD drugs only last in the body for a few hours, their side effects disappear as soon as they leave the body.

You will receive further information about possible adverse effects for the specific drug that your child’s medical team has recommended. If you find anything that worries you, take your child to the doctor right away.

Some parents find it upsetting to consider medicating their child for ADHD. Nonetheless, the majority of kids can gain a lot by taking the right medication. Talk to your child’s doctor about your concerns. Ask questions. The medical staff that treats your child can help you decide whether or not your child should try a medicine.