The following information provided by HADD is intended as a guide only.
Ideally medication for children with ADD/ADHD should be used in conjunction with other interventions. For some children, non-medical interventions are relatively ineffective until the child is given medication . The US –based study, Multimodal Treatment Study for Children with ADD/ADHD , found that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioural treatments, with behavioural interventions occurring in the home and the school setting.
Only parents and their doctor are in a position to make a call on whether a child with ADD/ADHD should be medicated. It is not a decision taken lightly by parents , and it is important to realise that most parents have probably struggled with this decision.
One of the most commonly used and widely available medication for the treatment of ADHD/ADD is Ritalin. When prescribed, it will be administered to your child usually twice a day. Usually, after breakfast in the morning and again at lunch time. This may involve the help of the school your child is attending, if he/she is school going age. It is a short acting drug. It has been reported that the medication starts to show benefits within 30 minutes after it has been administered. It lasts between 3 to 5 hours. Again, like the condition, the dosage depends on the age of your child, his/her size and the severity of the child’s condition. Ritalin usually has to be “fine tuned” to the needs of the individual child in close consultation with the medical team. Ritalin is known to work well for some and not so good for others. There is also a “Long lasting once a day” form of Ritalin available.
Concerta
Concerta is a once a day capsule. It is a reformulation of Ritalin. A single dose of Concerta lasts up to 12 hours in the body and if suitable for the child, eliminates the need for lunch time medication outside the home. Again work closely with your doctor and monitor your child when medication is first introduced. It is advisable to keep a notebook or diary to record any changes such as loss of appetite, change of mood, trouble with sleeping as well as the benefits of the medication. It could be a month or more before your next appointment and it is difficult to recall changes and when they took place when visiting the doctor.Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Strattera is an oral capsule prescribed once or twice a day, depending on the child. Strattera would also be prescribed for adults. Your doctor can provide more information on this medication.
Dexedrine
Dexedrine affects the neurotransmitters Norepinephrine and Dopamine. It is significantly different to Ritalin in this respect. It seems to stay longer in the blood thus reduces the dosages. Again ask your doctor for further information.
