Teachers are in the best position to spot the changes that take place within your child's educational or social performance. That's why it's vital for the child's teachers to be aware the medications that the child is taking, in addition to the amount and times of the day the medication is taken. Teachers do not have the capability to prescribe or modify the dosage of medication However, they could be an important source of information to parents and doctors. Be aware that teachers will be present with your child from six to eight hours a day. During those hours various social and academic problems are addressed every day.
An attentive teacher is able to detect even the tiniest of changes particularly in the field of exams and homework. Teachers that your kid is in your eyes when you're not there. If medication needs to be administered over the the day, discuss the plan with your school's principal, as well as the school nurse. You must ensure that your child does not have the right to miss their medication. It is essential that the school is aware what medications your child is taking. Ask questions. Don't be upset when the teacher informs you about a change. They will have the best interest of your kid at heart.
List of ADHD Medications for Children
The most commonly used medication in treating Attention Deficit Hypersensitivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are all stimulants to the central nervous system of the body. The antidepressants drugs are typically utilized for patients suffering from anxiety or depression issues. Below is a list of medications used to treat the symptoms of ADHD/ADD
Stimulant ADHD Meds
Stimulant medication has been used for treating ADHD for many years. They are effective in 70%-80 percent of children suffering from ADHD. This is the reason stimulants are often employed to treat mild and severe ADHD/ADD.
Certain stimulant drugs are limited in terms of age and should be monitored. They should not be given to children who are younger than six years old. Discuss the potential effects of these medicines with your doctor. Avoid following an "friends" advice and try the medications of a different person. It's a risky proposition. Here's a list with the most commonly used stimulant medications for ADHD:
Adderall and Adderall XR
Ritalin, Ritalin SR and Ritalin LA
Concerta
Daytrana
Dexedrine
Focalin and Focalin XR
Metadate CD and Metadate ER
Methylin and Methylin ER
Quillivant XR
Common Side Effects of Using Stimulant Medications for ADHD
Here are some of the most commonly reported adverse side effects with taking stimulant medicines for children:
Decreased Appetite
Headaches, dizziness, headaches or migraines
Cramps and stomach pains
Insomnia
The feeling of apathy (rebound) or anger
Motor Tics
Antidepressant ADHD Meds
Fig 2: Antidepressant ADHD Medication for Children
Many of the medicines known as antidepressants may be used to treat a variety of various ailments. Certain drugs that are prescribed to your child, are used to increase the levels of serotonin which is which is a neurotransmitter. Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance that can be found throughout your body. If you're lacking in amount of serotonin in your body, you'll notice signs that indicate aggressiveness (see ODD in children) and depression, along with anxiety. Children treated with these medications are less stressed, and will experience an overall sense of well-being and will be less upset.
Below is a listing the most well-known antidepressants which can have been prescribed by a doctor to treat ADHD in children.
Anafranil
Ritalin, Ritalin SR and Ritalin LA
Effexor
Pamelor
Dexedrine
Welbutrin
Buspar
Norpramin
Paxil
Tofranil
Zoloft
Antidepressant Side Effects in Children
Certain antidepressants can trigger dangerous negative side effects. This is particularly the case for children. The most commonly used method is to have a doctor administer an insignificant dose to test to assess the efficacy of the medication. Only after that will the doctor be able to recommend the medication for use over a long period of time. If however, the doctor has already prescribed an antidepressant for long-term use I suggest that you consult a different doctor.
There are several known adverse reactions that could be caused by the long-term therapy with antidepressants. As you can see, you are there no requirements to become a medical professional to be aware of these very serious:
Anxiety
Violent thoughts
Agression and violence
Suicide and suicidal ideas tend to be more prevalent among adults.
Psychosis
Paranoia
Withdrawal Symptoms
Other Medications for ADHD in Children
If stimulants and antidepressants aren't efficient or when coexisting medical issues (like Borderline Autism, Sensory Integration Disorder, or children currently using Risperdal) occur. The medications used are:
Catapres (clonidine)
Depakote
Lithonate
Tenex
The most commonly reported side effects associated with these drugs are:
Headaches (frequent with no relief)
Jitteriness
Sleep problems
A reduction in appetite or loss of weight
Medications for ADHD - The Right Approach
The use of medication is an integral part of controlling ADHD/ADD. When combined with other therapies, it will dramatically increase your child's ability to focus concentrate, focus and develop. Most medications used to treat the symptoms that are related to ADHD/ADD are temporary time-released drugs or immediate release varieties. Your doctor will advise you on the most effective drug and also the most appropriate dosage for your child. The doctor may choose to experiment with different medications until he's satisfied with the development and development of your baby.
As with all prescription medicines, there are risks of adverse reactions and you must be cognizant. Most of the time an adverse reaction could occur in the initial stages of the treatment and last for a brief period of time. The negative effects (discussed in the section above) can occur depending on the specific situation. The method that can work for one child might not work for another. It is important to keep in contact with your physician every week until the treatment is safe and doesn't create adverse side effects is identified. Doctors can alter the dosage, change the medicine, or alter the frequency of treatment line with the information you that you, or your parent has given. Parents and teachers are accountable for their children's health and it is essential for parents to know signs mentioned above.
What are the benefits of the best drugs?
If you and your doctor have determined the best method for treating your child you'll observe an increase in the level of concentration and attention. You'll be amazed at how your child will increase their performance and will be capable of focusing on their work for longer durations of time.
You'll also observe a reduction in impulsivity, negative behavior and physical aggression. It's also evident that the amount of activity of your child has slowed down which allows them to concentrate better on the task to be accomplished.
It's the quest to find the best combination of medications in conjunction with physical therapy emotional and behavioral therapy and academics. Once you've overcome the initial hurdles, you and your child will be on the way towards greater fulfillment and a happier life.
