The most commonly recommended treatments for ADHD are stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). If your child isn’t through ADHD treatment, the thought of introducing a treatment plan that includes stimulant drugs is a bit complicated and daunting. Parents frequently inquire about what they can do to assist their child in getting ready for the start of ADHD stimulant medication for the first time and how they may feel.
Strategies to talk with your child regarding ADHD Medicine
Explore the issue of medication together with your child.
Before you introduce your child to medications for ADHD it’s essential to be open and transparent in your conversation with them regarding why they’re taking this medication and the goals the medication is designed to accomplish and the potential negative adverse effects they might experience. Make sure your child is aware of the fact that the medication prescribed for treating ADHD isn’t a solution to ADHD. It’s an aid in the treatment of symptoms. It is important to urge patients to seek help and share any issues they might have.
Involve Your Child in the Decision-Making Process
Children are usually conscious of things that parents may not have had a clue about, or are more likely to speak regarding their experience.
Like adults, children would like to be able to influence how you live your life when they’re not yet sufficiently mature to grasp the importance and complexity of the many factors that impact their lives. This is why it’s important to let your child be part of the decision-making process regarding the medicine they’re taking. Let them know that it’s ultimately their decision what they will take or not take the medication. However, ensure that you talk to them about the potential benefits and drawbacks of taking the medication, and not. Keep track of your requirements and their opinions and help them them to adapt for any change that could occur.
Dispense the Medication as Prescribed
It is vital to use the medication in accordance with the prescriptions given by the doctor who is treating your child. If you’re worried about how the medication works and how it’s performing inform your doctor. You should be informed prior to trying to alter dosage, frequency or duration.
Be Prepared for Side Effects
A stimulant medication that is used to treat ADHD may have negative effects such as weight loss as well as stomachaches, insomnia, and headaches.
The side effects are usually mild and fade after the body is used to the dosage. If your child has unusual or alarming symptoms it is crucial to discuss the issue to your doctor.
Be aware of the development and growth of your child and the dosage of medication.
Keep a diary or log of your child’s development and any changes you notice in the behaviour of your child or any other indications.
Be aware of any negative side consequences they could experience or the effect that medication could affect their academic performance and behaviour in addition to any concerns or questions you might have. I would also recommend that your child track their mood, appetite, and performance. It is crucial for them to assist in developing self-awareness and being competent in talking to their physician in an open and complete way. It’s an experience of learning that can be a life-long experience in learning to persuasively convince your doctor in order to meet your requirements.
Provide Emotional Support
The first step to start a medication regimen for ADHD is a significant and often stressful experience for children.
They might be overwhelmed or confused when taking medications. Be sure that they know you’re here to help those who are struggling while reminding them they aren’t the only ones in this scenario. It’s crucial to encourage them to speak about the thoughts that they are having and the feelings they are experiencing as well as remind them you’re always there to help them.
Every child (and adults too) might experience a variety of emotions when they take ADHD medication. Some children might have an increase in intensity of their symptoms, whereas others might not experience any changes right away. It is important to know your child’s expectations and to inform them that treatment may be delayed until treatment starts to show results.
Ritalin misuse:
As per NIDA National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) prescription stimulants such as Ritalin are prescribed to treat addiction using more than prescribed or in different ways than prescribed. In some cases they are consumed by people who don’t have prescriptions.
Since they can reduce appetite, they are often used to assist to lose weight. Since they’ve been proven to boost wakefulness and focus it is possible to use them to help students learn or increase academic performance. But, according to NIDA study, it has been established that Ritalin does not increase attention or concentration for people with ADHD people who take stimulants are less successful in high school and college compared to those who do not.
In a study that was published in Science Advances, researcherElizabeth Bowman and her team from The University of Melbourne, in Australia have provided a reason for. “Our findings suggest that ‘smart drugs’ increase motivation, but a reduction in quality of effort, crucial to solve complex problems, annuls this effect,” they published in their research.
