![]() ![]() However, they have to be taken every day, and it may take several weeks before their benefits begin to appear.Īny treatment can have side effects but, in general, stimulants are among the safest of the medications that child psychiatrists use on a regular basis. ![]() Also, nonstimulant medications can reduce ADHD symptoms throughout the whole day, rather than just for some portion of the day. Newer, nonstimulant alternatives (atomoxetine, guanfacine and clonidine) are also available and may work when stimulants do not. I recall one teenager describing with awe the first time she used a stimulant to help with her homework: off stimulant, she would do lots of “preliminary” activities-checking Facebook, answering emails, polishing her fingernails to her amazement and delight, with the stimulant, she was completely done with all of her homework in less time than she previously took just getting to it. When stimulants work, children literally can change before your eyes, growing calmer, less impulsive and better able to stay on task. As with all treatments, some children and adolescents are unresponsive to stimulants but, even for them, other medication and non-medication options may be available.īenefits typically occur within 30 minutes of taking the right dose and can last for much of a day, depending on the type of stimulant preparation used. Another 20% will do well with a different stimulant if the first one fails to alleviate symptoms or has too many side effects. When making your choice, here are some thing things to keep in mind.įor children or adolescents with ADHD, 65% respond rapidly and positively to the first stimulant (methylphenidate or amphetamine) prescribed. In fact, there is more research on ADHD medications than for any other medication used to treat behavioral problems and other psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. While this research is helpful for understanding the potential effects of treatment, it can be difficult to sift through the information to decide whether or not medication is right for your child. Today, we have access to extensive research on the benefits and risks associated with using ADHD medications. Since methylphenidate (Ritalin) first became available in the early 1960s, enthusiasm for treating ADHD with medication has waxed and waned due to concerns about the medication’s safety, efficacy and potential for abuse as well as fluctuations in public and professional belief in ADHD as a “real” disorder. No, medication is not essential for treating ADHD, but an impressive body of research shows it can be remarkably helpful and quite safe as part of an overall treatment plan. Is medication really necessary for treating my son’s ADHD? His doctor has suggested that we try stimulant medications next, but we’re reluctant to use medication for him since he’s still so young. We’ve tried some dietary changes, and the school has offered some help in the classroom but it doesn’t seem to be working for him. At home, he’s constantly interrupting and can’t sit still. It seems like he’s getting in trouble every day, either for being disruptive or for distracting the other kids. He’s seven-years-old and often has trouble focusing in class. My son was recently diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ![]()
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