Stimulant Medication
Raising children is a very demanding job under the best of circumstances. The task becomes more difficult if you are a parent of a child with A.D.H.D. Since daily life with these children is often full of confusion and frustration it is understandable that parents need help.

For some children and adults medication may not work and other alternatives would have to be looked at. Each person with any form of a developmental disorder is unique and therefore must be treated and looked at individually. One of the most common medications used for the treatment of ADHD is:-

METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN)

What is Methylphenidate used for ?
Methylphenidate is prescribed to improve the concentration of children who have hyperkinetic disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D ). Occasionally it may be prescribed to children who have other disorders, but the purpose is always to improve inattentiveness. Improving concentration helps focus and staying on task and therefore often improves performance.
Children may become less impulsive. As they tend to get into less trouble and do better at school self-esteem is often improved. The medication dose not remove the need for careful behavioural management and educational support for children with these problems, but may allow these to become more effective.

How does it work?
There is much research going on to answer this question, but at present, we do not know precisely how or why methylphenidate works. We do know that it alters the balance of certain chemicals in the brain ( neurotransmitters) and it appears likely that this change is responsible for the beneficial effect.
Methylphenidate has been in fairly wide use for many years and is regarded as a relatively safe medicine. Methylphenidate is of benefit to about 2 out of 3 children. Like all medicines it must be taken only as prescribed, and could be dangerous in overdose. Also like all medicines, methylphenidate can cause side-effects.

Side-effects of methylphenidate

	Initially, children may experience abdominal pain which is not usually severe, and is usually transient
	Some children experience headaches
	Some children become very tearful and miserable
	Others may become over-stimulated and more hyperactive
	Blood pressure may rise
	Appetite may be decreased, and weight gain slowed
	There may be some growth retardation (but this is usually reversible when the medication is stopped
	Tics (a type of muscle twitch and spasm) may be made worse
	Very rarely, children develop a hyperactivity reaction to methylphenidate
	Very rarely, irregularities of the heartbeat occur
	Also very rarely, the blood’s white cell count is decreased

The doctor looking after your child should be informed of any side - effects . He/She will discuss with you what should be done. The doctor will monitor your child’s height, weight, blood pressure and any side-effects. If you are concerned between appointments telephone your doctor.

Ritalin is by far the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Other stimulant medications include Dexedrine and cylert and new forms of ADHD medication are still coming onto the market

DEXEDRINE TABLETS
DEXEROAMPHETAMINEbrForm
Short acting tablets by mouth. 5mg
Dosage
Average 1-3 tablets every 4 hours
Effects
The same as RITALIN

CYLERT { PEMOLINE }
Form
Long acting tablets by mouth
Dosage
75mg
Effects
Very individual
Side effects
Can cause liver damage

There are many herbal none - stimulant remedies on the market so do not be afraid of talking about these with yuor doctor and getting advice on them before making a decision . Your practitioner is there to help and advice you, use their experience.
Please do not forget that no matter what medication your child is taking, you will still need to use management strategies.

Medication can only be used as a tool. It is not a cure.

For a person to overcome they difficulties and move forward with life they will have to learn how to manage their own condition.

As a coach I can help please

contact Christine McLanachan ECONNF, EFT-CC

Overcoming Adversity to Succeed