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Step 1
Begin using the medication on the weekend if you are concerned about the child experiencing side effects at school. This allows you to monitor the child and notice improvements in the child's behavior. The majority of ADHD medications begin working the first day.
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Step 2
Contact the child's teacher after completing the first day of school on medication. Find out what the teacher observed, both positive and negative. Usually within a week, if not sooner, you will know if the medication and dosage is working.
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Step 3
Report bothersome side effects or tics to your child's doctor. Common side effects are insomnia, reduced appetite, stomach pain, headache, moodiness and irritability. Sometimes the moodiness only occurs when the medicine wears off, and is referred to as "rebound." If a medication has too many negative side effects, the child may be switched to another drug.
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Step 4
Follow up periodically with your child's teacher to check on the child's school performance and behavior. Notify the child's doctor if the medication seems to be losing effectiveness over time. An increase in dosage may be necessary.
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Step 5
Talk to your child's doctor about discontinuing medication on the weekend, school holidays and the summer, especially if your child stops growing or gaining weight. Most ADHD medications are stimulants and the child often doesn't feel hungry during the day.
