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Parenting and Behavioural Issues
: ADHD Medications
Another part of the treatment program often involves the prescribed
use of certain medications. Parents sometimes worry about their
children having to rely on medication. But it's more important
to realize that these can help the ADHD child function at his
best, and will consequently help him avoid even greater problems.
Parents should expect to receive detailed information about any
prescribed medication from their health professional, including
the possible side-effects. This information should then be shared
with everyone entrusted with the child's care. Let's now look
at the most common of ADHD medication.
Methylphenidate
The most commonly prescribed ADHD medication is Methylphenidate.
This medication is in fact a stimulant, which interestingly in
ADHD children often has the reverse effect of calming them down.
Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is commonly taken in pill
form. It takes effect quickly, and lasts three to four hours.
The child's prescribed dosage needs to be administered by an informed
adult, two or three times a day, depending on the child's age
- usually in the morning before school, and at lunchtime. Methylphenidate
is now also available in a single dose, long acting forms. Dextroamphetamine
is another medication used to treat ADHD.
Before medication therapy begins, the diagnosis should be well
established, and individualized behaviour and educations plans
should be in place. In the absence of these other forms of treatment,
drug therapy alone is ineffective.
What about "drug holidays"?
In the past, children being treated for ADHD were sometimes given
an extended break from taking medication - usually during the
summer months when not in school - to minimize potential side
effects. But today, most physicians suggest that current ADHD
medication therapy can be safely followed year-round, and can
continue to be very helpful outside of school as well. The benefits
offered by modern ADHD medications as part of a greater treatment
plan, usually outweigh the minimized potential for adverse side
effects.
What about alternative treatments?
Alternative treatments for the child's ADHD may be suggested to
you, but it's important to realize there is no significant scientific
evidence that any are effective. Some of these controversial treatments
include: biofeedback, mega-vitamin and mineral supplements, anti-motion
sickness medication, and optometric exercises. Again, none of
these approaches have ever been scientifically proven to have
any significant effect on ADHD, so they should probably not be
relied on.
The need for on-going monitoring
Whatever treatment strategies are undertaken, the child's condition
needs to be regularly monitored by a health professional. It is
especially important to check for side-effects; confirm the on-going
effectiveness of the program; and if necessary, make adjustments
to the treatment plan.
Other Parenting and Behavioural Issues
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
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