ADHD Medications Information

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ADHD Medications

About 80 percent of children with ADHD will resfavorably to medications. This can be a sensitive subtecrfor parents who worry about their child being "druggedor controlled by mind-altering medications. But the 4-propriate prescription, adjusted by a physician attenrieto the child's needs and schedule, can be very benefi.L.Medication is only one component of a total approaato ADHD, not a magical quick fix for all the problemschildren have with this disorder.

Medications for ADHD might be likened toglasses thatthat correct blurry vision. While the glassesthe child to see letters more clearly, they will not teadthim to read. Similarly, medications for ADHD do narexert some mystical power over the child but mere".enhance his own efforts to control himself and dealmore effectively with daily events. Children underage of five, however, are less likely to respond well wmedical treatment and are more likely to have advetseside effects.

The medications that bring about positive changinare not sedatives and do not directly affect intellect wperception. Oddly enough, they are classified as stims-lants, which would seem to be the last thing a hypeactive child needs. But rather than provaieturbocharged behavior, they most likely help norrnimecertain neurotransmitters (the chemical messengerwithin the brain). This causes increased attention spar,better impulse control, less disruptive behavior at hoamand school, and more stable emotions.

The most commonly prescribed medicationsmethylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dew-drine), and various antidepressants. While RitalinDexedrine are designated by the FDA as controlled sinstances, ADHD children do not become addictedthese medications, nor do they show any increased rAtfor substance abuse later in life. The specific choice witdosage must be determined for each child, usuallyl in which a low dose is started, behavior obsen,..,and appropriate adjustments made. Feedback from sitechild himself, as well as from parents and teachers, isportant in this process.

Over the years, hundreds of studies have shownproblems with long-term side effects of these drug. Some children will experience loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping, but changes in dose, timing, or type of medication will usually resolve these symptoms. Othersexperience a "rebound" effect, in which disruptiveviors or snood swings occur as a given dose wearsAdjustments can usually minimize this effect.Because of concerns over the effects of these medication on a child's long-term growth, many physiciansadvocated drug "holidays" on weekends and duringsummer. However, a child's ultimate height andt rarely appear to be affected, and some childrenfit from medication every day.

Since ADHD usually continues to be a problem intothood, it is possible that medications will play a rolein life. Each child's needs and responses must there-be carefully considered over a period of years, notely for a few months.

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