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Medication
How do ADHD medications work?
How often do I take medication?
How safe are ADHD medications?
Side effects of ADHD medication
Ground rules for stimulant medication use
There is abundant scientific evidence showing that a class of drugs known as stimulants is the most efficient medication for treating the core symptoms of ADHD.
Stimulants help improve the core signs and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. There are many different available stimulant medications which vary in how the drug is delivered in the blood stream or by drug content. Some children get better results from one drug, while other children benefit more from another drug. Additionally, the right dose varies between individuals, and the effects of the drugs may wear off. Therefore, it is important to cooperate with the prescribing physician to find the right medication and the right dose as soon as possible.
How do ADHD medications work?
Lower levels of certain chemical substances in the brain that influence motor control, attention, organisation, planning ahead, and decision making, can lead to ADHD. These substances can be increased with ADHD medications, resulting in many improvements in attention, activity level and impulse control leading to improved behaviour and higher academic achievements.
They make it easier to stop and think about the consequences of behaviour. Medications will not teach someone a new behaviour; rather, they will allow a person to focus on new skills s/he is learning.
Research shows that stimulants improve mother-child interactions, classroom attention, and school and work performance.
How often do I take medication?
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Original stimulant medications
Because traditional stimulant medications address symptoms quickly but are only effective for three or four hours, treatment has typically involved taking medication up to three times a day to maintain symptom control.
Taking medications several times a day can result in "highs and lows" of the medication level in the blood stream. In addition, taking medication in the middle of the day can lead to embarrassment. Many children, adolescents and adults with ADHD are reluctant to take medication at school or work. -
Newer stimulant medications
New medications have been developed that have to be taken only once a day. Some of these medications last through the school/work day while others offer longer effectiveness for up 12 hours, to cover also evening activities such as homework or hobbies. This makes it easier for the child or adult with ADHD to take medication. Additionally, some medications are designed specifically to have a smooth consistent release throughout the day, thus minimizing "highs and lows" often experienced with other medications. Don&t hesitate to talk to your doctor to find out more about this new long-acting medication for ADHD.
Stimulants should improve your ability to focus, attend to tasks, and improve disruptive and hyperactive behaviours. Pay attention to the effect of medications on these symptoms and report your findings to your doctor. Also, talk to your doctor about side effects and other medications you are taking. Your doctor will use this information, along with a rating scale or reports from others, to adjust medication for your specific symptoms.
How safe are ADHD medications?
Treatment of ADHD with stimulant medications is supported by hundreds of research studies over 30 years, proving its safety and effectiveness.
There has been some concern about using medications in preschoolers who carry a diagnosis of ADHD. One large-scale study found that low doses of the commonly used medications are safe and effective in young children. However, the study did find that younger children were more susceptible to medication side effects.
Although some parents worry that their child may become addicted to the medication, to date there is no convincing evidence that stimulant medications used for treatment of ADHD cause drug abuse or dependence. Children with ADHD who are properly diagnosed and given stimulant medication by the time they reach adolescence have significantly less chance of substance abuse in later years than those with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD. Recent research indicates that children treated for ADHD show no higher rates of substance abuse in adulthood than the general population. In contrast, adults with ADHD who are untreated in childhood show higher-than-normal rates of substance abuse.
Side effects of ADHD medication
For most stimulant medications, side effects may include loss of appetite and sleeping problems. Loss of appetite may be improved by taking medications with a meal and eating high-calorie snacks after school or work and before bedtime. Sleeping problems can be improved by informing your doctor so that the medication treatment plan can be adjusted.
Other side effects can include headaches and stomach aches. Adults with a history of hypertension may experience problems with blood pressure. Nervousness or jitteriness may occur, particularly in adults overly sensitive to the medication, adults who consume caffeine excessively, or people suffering from anxiety.
Typically, these side effects decrease over time and can often be offset by adjustments in doses.
The incidence of side effects can vary widely among the different ADHD medications. Be sure to discuss the potential for side effects of different ADHD medications with your doctor.
Ground rules for stimulant medication use
- Because stimulants are regulated medications, prescriptions can only be filled for a limited quantity without being rewritten by the physician.
- Access to stimulants should be protected, and medication should be kept in a safe place.
- Small children must be supervised when taking pills.
- Older children/teens should be warned about the dangers of over-medication or sharing medications with others.
- Medications should be kept in the original bottle that carries the name of the medication, patient's name, and dose.
As with any medication, the benefits the child might receive from these medications should be balanced with any potential risks.
In making the decision about whether to have your child take stimulants or other medications for ADHD, you have to take into account your personal feelings and medical facts.
