Is ADHD medication right for my child?
How should you treat your child’s ADHD? In this 8-part guide, find expert answers to the questions that will help you make key decisions about ADHD treatment.
TITRATION: How long will it take to get the ADHD medication and dosage right?
A: Titration is a big word that means working with your doctor to get your child’s medication just right. The goal is to find the dose (or amount) of medicine that controls… | Keep reading on WebMD »
MED SAFETY: What are the short- and long-term effects of using ADHD medication?
A: Side effects and risks associated with the long-term use of ADHD medication include heart disease, high blood pressure… | Keep reading on WebMD »
MEDS & PERSONALITY: Will ADHD medication turn my child into a “zombie?”
A: Sometimes, parents say their child appears dazed when they start taking a stimulant ADHD med. This “zombie effect” is a kind of hyperfocus that could mean their dose is too high… | Keep reading on WebMD »
EXPLAINING TREATMENT: How should I talk with my child about taking ADHD medication?
A: For a young child, choose simple, familiar language. For example, to describe being unable to sit still, “You have the wiggles”… | Keep reading on WebMD »
UNTREATED ADHD: What are the risks of not using ADHD medication?
A: Untreated ADHD can cause problems throughout life. People with ADHD tend to be impulsive and have short attention spans, which can make it harder to succeed in school… | Keep reading on WebMD »
SUBSTANCE USE: Could stimulant use lead to substance abuse in my child?
A: One of the longest-term studies, which followed 100 boys with ADHD for 10 years, showed no greater risk for substance abuse in boys who took stimulant drugs compared to those who didn’t take… | Keep reading on WebMD »
FIRST-PERSON: “What I Want to Say to My Mom, Who ‘Drugged’ Me”
“Thank you, Mom. Thank you for listening when I told you I was struggling. Because of your decision, I did better in school, I felt more confident, and was able to reach my potential.” | Keep reading on ADDitude »
RELATED RESOURCES
FREE DOWNLOAD: Understanding ADHD Medications
In this infographic, learn about differences between stimulants and non-stimulants, signs your child’s dosage needs to be adjusted, and more. | Download now on ADDitude »
FREE DOWNLOAD: ADHD Medication Tracking Log
Learn about indicators that your child’s medication is working plus signs that point to side effects, then track their symptoms in the daily log. | Download now on ADDitude »
8-Part Guide to ADHD Treatment in Children, from WebMD x ADDitude:
DECISION 1: How should I approach my child’s ADHD treatment plan?
> DECISION 2: Is ADHD medication right for my child?
DECISION 3: How can I address side effects associated with my child’s ADHD medication?
DECISION 4: How can I integrate nutrition & supplements into my child’s ADHD treatment?
DECISION 5: How can I integrate exercise & mindfulness into my child’s ADHD treatment?
DECISION 6: What therapies should I integrate into my child’s ADHD treatment plan?
DECISION 7: How should I adjust and optimize my child’s ADHD treatment plan over time?
DECISION 8: How can my child’s treatment plan safely address comorbid conditions?
