Administering ADHD Medication for Children

Teachers are in a prime position to recognize the changes taking place in your child’s academic or performance in social situations. This is why it’s crucial that the teacher of your child be aware of the medications are being taken by the child, along with the quantity and the times the medication is being taken. Teachers don’t have the power to prescribe or alter the dosage of a medication however they may be a valuable source of information for parents and physicians. Remember that teachers will be with your child between six to eight hours each day. During these hours, a variety of academic and social issues are dealt with every day.

A knowledgeable teacher is capable of detecting even the tiniest changes especially when it comes to homework and exams. Teachers are looking at you even while you’re away. If your child’s medication must be administered throughout entire day, you should discuss the plans with the principal of your school, and also the school nurse. It is important to make sure that your child does not be allowed to skip their medication. It is crucial that the school knows of the medications your child is taking. Ask questions. Don’t be angry when your teacher informs you of an alteration. They’ll be in the best interests of your child in mind.

List of ADHD Medications for Children

The most frequently used drug for treating Attention Deficit Hypersensitivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are all stimulants for the nervous system central in the body. The antidepressants medications are commonly employed for patients who are suffering from depression or anxiety problems. Here is a list of medicines that alleviate the symptoms of ADHD/ADD.

Stimulant ADHD Meds

Stimulant medications have been used to treat ADHD for a long time. They have been proven to be effective in 70-80 percent of children who suffer from ADHD. This is why stimulants are commonly used for treating severe and mild ADHD/ADD.

Certain stimulants are restricted by age and must be controlled. It is not recommended to give them to children less that six. Discuss the possible side adverse effects of these medications with your physician. Beware of following “friends” advice and try the medicines from a different doctor. It’s not a safe option. Here’s a listing of the most popular stimulant drugs for ADHD:

Adderall and Adderall XR

Ritalin, Ritalin SR and Ritalin LA

Concerta

Daytrana

Dexedrine

Focalin and Focalin XR

Metadate CD and Metadate ER

Methylin and Methylin ER

Quillivant XR

Common Side Effects of Using Stimulant Medications for ADHD

Here are a few of the most frequently mentioned adverse effects using stimulant drugs for children:

Decreased Appetite

Headaches, dizziness, headaches or migraines

Cramps and stomachaches

Insomnia

Apathy is the feeling of being unable to feel (rebound) (also known as anger)

Motor Tics

Antidepressant ADHD Meds

Fig 2: Antidepressant ADHD Medication for Children

A variety of medications referred to as antidepressants can be utilized to treat different illnesses. Certain medications that are prescribed to you child, help to increase levels of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. Serotonin is a natural substance that is present throughout your body. If you’re not getting enough of serotonin within your system, then you’ll see indicators of aggression (see ODD in children) and depression, as well as anxiety. Children who are treated with these drugs are less stressed and they will feel a general feeling of calm and be less anxious.

Below is a list of most well-known antidepressants that be recommended by a doctor to treat ADHD in children.

Anafranil

Ritalin, Ritalin SR and Ritalin LA

Effexor

Pamelor

Dexedrine

Welbutrin

Buspar

Norpramin

Paxil

Tofranil

Zoloft

Antidepressant Side Effects in Children

Certain antidepressants can trigger dangerous negative side effects. This is especially true for children. The most common method is to have a physician administer a small amount in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. After that, an expert be qualified suggest the medication to be used for a prolonged duration of. If the doctor has prescribed an antidepressant for prolonged use, I recommend that you seek out a different physician.

There are a variety of recognized adverse effects that may result from the prolonged treatment with antidepressants. As you will see, do not need to be a medical professional to know about the serious consequences:

Anxiety

Violent thoughts

Violence and aggression

Suicide and suicidal thinking are more common among adults.

Psychosis

Paranoia

Withdrawal Symptoms

Other Medications for ADHD in Children

If antidepressants and stimulants aren’t working or if co-existing medical conditions (like Borderline Autism, Sensory Integration Disorder, or children taking Risperdal) are present. The medications that are used are:

Catapres (clonidine)

Depakote

Lithonate

Tenex

The most frequently reported side effects that are associated with these medications are:

Headaches (frequent without relief)

Jitteriness

Sleep issues

A decrease in appetite or weight loss

Medications for ADHD – The Right Approach

The use of medications is a crucial part of tackling ADHD/ADD. If it is combined with other treatments it can dramatically improve your child’s ability to be focused, concentrate and grow. Most of the medications that combat the symptoms caused by ADHD/ADD are temporary medications that release time, or immediate release types. Your physician will guide you which drug is most effective and the best dosage to your infant. The doctor can try different medicines until he’s happy with the growth and growth of your child.

As with all prescription drugs there are the possibility of adverse reactions. You should be aware. The majority of times, an adverse reaction may be experienced in the beginning stages of treatment and will last for a short period of duration. The negative side effects (discussed in the previous section) could occur based on the particular circumstance. The approach that is effective for one child may not be effective for a different child. It is crucial to remain in touch with your doctor every week until treatment is safe and doesn’t cause negative side effects. Doctors may modify the dosage, alter the medicine, or change how often treatment is administered in using the information you or your parent have provided. Teachers and parents are responsible for the health of their children and it is vital for parents to be aware of these signs.

What are the advantages of the most effective medications?

When you, along with your physician have identified the most effective method for your child’s treatment, you’ll see an increase in their level of attention and concentration. You’ll be amazed at the way your child will improve their efficiency and be able to concentrate on their task for longer durations.

There is also a decrease in negative behavior, impulsivity or physical aggression. Also, it is evident that the level of activity for your child’s has decreased down, which makes them focus more on the task being completed.

It’s a quest to find the most effective combination of medication along with physical therapy, emotional and behavioral therapy as well as academics. After you’ve gotten over the initial obstacles both you and your child are on the road to a more fulfilled and more enjoyable life.