How to Treat an ADHD Child With Medication

Giving an ADHD child medication is often a difficult decision for parents. Medication is typically used to treat an ADHD child who is struggling in school and failing at peer relationships. Once you have decided to treat your ADHD child with medication, you may find that the first medication works, or you may go through a process of trial and error to find the right one and the right dosage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Tips & Warnings

• Most ADHD medication prescription refills require a new prescription signed by your doctor. Contact your doctor for a new prescription a few days in advance of running out. Many doctors offer the convenience of mailing the prescription to you.
• Have realistic expectations about ADHD medication. Your child is likely to continue to exhibit some ADHD symptoms.
• Don't miss follow-up appointments recommended by your doctor. The doctor needs to monitor the patient's weight, blood pressure and other factors. Most doctors will not refill a prescription without the required follow up.