![]() More than half of children who have tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome, also have ADHD. Stimulants, atomoxetine, and guanfacine may not be an option for children who are taking certain other medications or who have some medical conditions, such as congenital heart disease. To monitor the effects of the medication, your pediatrician will probably have you and your child's teacher(s) fill out behavior rating scales, observe changes in your child's target goals, notice any side effects, and monitor your child's height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. After that, periodic monitoring by your doctor is important to maintain the best effects. Using a different stimulant or trying a non-stimulantĬlose contact with your pediatrician is required until you find the best medication and dose for your child.Guanfacine and clonidine can cause drowsiness, fatigue, or a decrease in blood pressure. Rarely atomoxetine increased thoughts of suicide. There have been very rare cases of atomoxetine needing to be stopped because it was causing liver damage. The same sleep problems do not exist for atomoxetine, but initially it may make your child sleepy or upset her stomach. Transient muscle movements or sounds called tics Rebound effect (increased activity or a bad mood as the medication wears off) These tend to happen early in treatment and are usually mild and short-lived, but in rare cases they can be prolonged or more severe. Is it working? It is important for your child to have regular medical checkups to monitor how well the medication is working and check for possible side effects. For example, if the goal is to get relief from symptoms mostly at school, your child may take the medication only on school days. When to give it? The medication schedule also may be adjusted depending on the target outcome. Your pediatrician will vary the dosage over time to get the best results and control possible side effects. The dosage is not based solely on his weight. What dosage? The amount of medication (dosage) that your child needs also may need to be adjusted. Some children respond to one type of stimulant but not another. Be patient with the process. Your child may need to try different types of stimulants or other medication. It may take some time to find the best medication, dosage, and schedule for your child. Non-stimulants can be tried when stimulant medications don't work or cause bothersome side effects. However, extended-release capsules that are made up of beads can be opened and sprinkled onto food for children who have difficulties swallowing tablets or capsules. ![]() It is important not to chew or crush extended-release capsules or tablets. Children who take extended-release forms of stimulants can avoid taking medication at school or after school. Extended-release medications usually are taken once in the morning.Įxtended-release (intermediate-acting and long-acting) medications are usually taken once in the morning. ![]() Immediate-release (short-acting) medications usually are taken every 4 hours, when needed. They are the cheapest of the medications. Studies show that about 80% of children with ADHD who are treated with stimulants improve a great deal once the right medication and dose are determined. Stimulants may be used alone or combined with behavior therapy to treat children with ADHD. This makes them more able to pay attention and control their behavior. As glasses help people focus their eyes to see, these medications help children with ADHD focus their thoughts better and ignore distractions. For most children, stimulant medications are a safe and effective way to relieve ADHD symptoms.
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