Difficulty in settling to sleep can be a problem.Your child’s height and weight will be monitored closely by your clinician This can be helped by giving the medication after food and encouraging your child to eat in the evenings after the medication has worn off. Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss and could potentially slow growth.The commonest side effects of stimulant medications are listed below. Detailed information leaflets on each medication used in ADHD are provided to parents before starting treatment, and the clinician will discuss the medication in detail. What are the side effects?Īs with any medication there are possible side effects. Recent studies have suggested that this medication may also be helpful in reducing oppositional behaviour that is associated with ADHD. Guanfacine (“Intuniv”) is another non stimulant medication that is effective in ADHD. It has a 24 hour duration of action and this medication may be suitable for young people who have ADHD and tics, or if stimulants cause problematic side effects for the young person. It is usually chosen as a second or third line medication. These medications may be good alternatives for children who do not respond well to stimulant medication, cannot tolerate the side effects of stimulant medications, or have other conditions along with ADHD.Ītomoxetine (“Strattera”) is a non-stimulant. There is another class of ADHD medication referred to as “non-stimulants”. It is typically used as a second line medication when Methylphenidate fails to work or causes side effects. Lisdexamphetamine is also a stimulant and is similar to Methylphenidate. Modified (slow) release Methylphenidate (Medikinet MR / Equasym XL / Concerta XL) – Lasts between 8 and 12 hours depending on the formulation.Immediate release Methylphenidate (Medikinet IR or Ritalin IR) – Lasts for 4 hours.There are several formulations of methylphenidate that are licensed in Ireland. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication. These medicines work by regulating the young person’s own brain chemicals, in particular the chemicals Dopamine and Noradrenaline. There are two stimulants available in Ireland – Methylphenidate and Lisdexamphetamine. Research has shown that stimulants are quite safe when prescribed to healthy young people, and used under medical supervison. They have been available for decades and have been very well studied. Research studies have shown that stimulant medicines are the most effective treatments for ADHD. There are two types of medication available for ADHD stimulants and non-stimulants. However when a young person’s symptoms of ADHD are well treated, it is likely that they will be better able to engage in behavioural strategies / learning support to help with these other conditions. It will not directly treat any of the other disorders commonly associated with ADHD, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder / Conduct Disorder / anxiety disorders / learning difficulties. Medication may also help to reduce irritability / emotional dysregulation. It is important to note that ADHD medication targets the core symptoms of ADHD inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Their performance at school may improve significantly. Children may become less aggressive as well as less hyperactive. They can also respond more effectively to their teachers and parents. As children calm down they may be better able to mix with their peers. Many parents have commented on the dramatic improvements which can occur with medication for ADHD. The medication helps many children to concentrate and regain control over their actions. However medications like Ritalin work by stimulating those parts of the brain that control behaviour and regulate activity. It may seem strange to prescribe a stimulant medication to a child who is overactive. What can medication for ADHD help with?Īs a parent you may have been told about stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dexamphetamine which have been prescribed for children with ADHD since the 1930s. A percentage of children may no longer require treatment as they grow into late adolescence and adulthood. It allows them to benefit from interventions intended to improve their overall functioning in school, at home, at work, and in the community. Though not a cure, medication treatment does allow the child, adolescent, or adult to better function and manage their ADHD. The type or extent of treatment is likely to change over time as children mature. It is important to note that none of the treatments for ADHD will cure the condition and so ongoing care and treatment monitoring are important. Medication does not cure ADHD, but can be a highly effective way to treat the symptoms of ADHD when it is taken as prescribed.
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