When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, it is common for parents to begin researching about the different treatment options and how these will impact their child for the better or worse. While it has been established that the right medicine can help the child manage the condition, there are lots of tests to be conducted and steps to be carried out before the ideal treatment option for ADHD is decided. It is recommended that parents go to certified medical practitioners and professionals who can help chart out a course of treatment and therapy. Given below are some of the common questions one might have regarding the conditions and medications for it.

What are the best medication options for ADHD?
Some of the most commonly used and effective medication for ADHD fall into the classes of:

• Dextromethamphetamine
• Dextromethylphenidate
• Methylphenidate
• Amphetamine-based stimulants
• Atomoxetine
• Nortriptyline

Is medication even necessary to treat ADHD?
Even though behavioral intervention is recommended before opting for medication for children under the age of 6 years, experts agree that if the condition and its symptoms interfere with the social, academic, and emotional well-being of the child, it is best to consider the latter. While alternative therapy options do work for some children, most of them are not powerful enough to sufficiently treat most of those suffering from the condition.

Is ADHD medication safe?
It should be known that the stimulants which are prescribed condition are amongst the safest of all the psychiatric medicines out there. The risk associated with them is very low, making them one of the more reliable options for the treatment of ADHD. It is essential to remember that not treating the disorder effectively at the earlier stages can lead to one’s quality of life being severely compromised.

Are there any side effects associated with this medication?
When it comes to stimulants, there are some possible side effects such as weight loss, sleep problems, moodiness, tics, and appetite suppression. However, these effects are not common for every child and some of them might not face any side effects at all. A change of dosage or medications may lead to one suffering from increased side effects as the body takes time to get used to a cycle. While most of these do not lead to adverse circumstances, facing an issue over a prolonged period means it is wiser to consult a doctor about them.

How long is the ADHD medication effective for?
Recently, a methylphenidate patch has come into the market which is effective for about 12 hours. There are also short-acting forms of amphetamine, methylphenidate, and mixed amphetamine salts which last for 8 hours. Given that children need to be on medication during the period when hyperactivity, inattention, etc., peak, methylphenidate is also available in liquid and chewable forms if swallowing the pill is difficult for the child.

How will the correct dosage be decided?
Unlike most other medications, the dosage here would be decided based on how effectively the child’s body metabolizes/uses it. The medication is started at lower doses and is increased slightly every week or two until maximum benefits or an increase in side effects are noticed.