Four out of five times, children with ADHD show a significant decrease in their levels of hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity when given medication. But success doesn’t always come effortlessly. Dr. Larry Silver addresses how to choose the right medication, figure out the right dosage, and deal with side effects in this video.
How effective is medication in treating the symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults? remarkably prosperous. Four out of five times, children with ADHD show a significant decrease in their levels of hyperactivity, inattention, and/or impulsivity when given medication. However, in order to ensure that you’re taking ADHD medication safely, it’s imperative that you select the appropriate drug and follow the prescribed dosage.
Over more than 30 years of treating ADHD, I’ve developed seven rules to maximize the benefits of medication:
1. Make sure the diagnosis is correct.
ADHD is not always present in children who display impulsivity, hyperactivity, or inattention. These behaviors can also be brought on by anxiety and mood issues in addition to learning disabilities. A teacher may inform you that your child struggles with stillness. It could turn out that your child has shown signs of ADHD through a psychiatric evaluation. However, these reports are not enough. For the diagnosis to be established, the characteristic behaviors must show that they are chronic (having existed before the age of six) and pervasive (having been observed in at least two living environments, such as school, home, among peers, and so forth).
2. Don’t count on finding the ideal medication straight immediately.
For certain people, methylphenidate (Ritalin) or dextro-amphetamine/levo-amphetamine (Adderall) appear to be beneficial. Tricyclic antidepressants and atomoxetine (Strattera) are examples of non-stimulant drugs that work better for certain people. The only way to find out if a particular ADHD medication works for you or your child is to try it out on them.
3. Select the appropriate dosage and give it many days.
When taking stimulant medications, the dosage is not based on body mass, weight, or age, but rather on how quickly the body absorbs the chemical. (In contrast, non-stimulant medications’ dosages are determined by weight.) The only way to figure out the proper dosage for you or your child is to experiment. I could start with 5 mg. If that doesn’t work in three to five days, I increase the dosage to 10 mg, then to 15 mg, and if necessary, to 20 mg till the patient gets well. If they seem to be in a cloud, or show particularly high levels of tears or agitation, the dosage should be reduced.
In general, the efficacy of a stimulant medication can be ascertained almost immediately. Many doctors start at the lowest dosage and increase it every five days until the optimal amount is found (or until it becomes clear that another prescription should be tried). Consult your doctor about this.
4. Don’t rely too much on a medication’s stated shelf life.
It’s not a given that an ADHD drug will make symptoms go away for the whole suggested term of treatment. A four-hour pill might only hold out for three. An eight-hour capsule might last six to ten hours, and a 12-hour capsule might last ten to fourteen hours. Take note of your feelings or observe your child’s behavior to determine how long each dose lasts.
5. Be sure you or your child is on medication whenever it is needed.
Some people need their medication on a daily basis. Some just need to be covered during particular events. Your child most likely needs to take her medicine during the school day if she has ADHD. And what about homework time? And in terms of extracurricular pursuits? Once the doctor has determined when your child should be “covered,” a suitable treatment plan can be created.
6. Alert the doctor about any side effects.
Headaches, stomachaches, trouble sleeping, and appetite loss are all possible side effects of stimulants. It is very uncommon for motor tics to have negative effects. The physician need to work in tandem with you to minimize any adverse consequences that you or your child encounter. You need to take a new medication if the adverse effects are unbearable.
7. Don’t be too quick to suspend medication use.
Some parents are eager to give their children medication over the summer months when school is not in session, but this can result in irritation, social problems, and failure. When making a decision, take into account your child’s needs for each activity and whether it makes sense to let them skip medication.
