Should I medicate my 5 year old for ADHD?

Should I medicate my 5 year old for ADHD?

For older children, the best treatment is often a combination of behavior therapy and medication. But for children under 6 years of age, experts recommend that ADHD be treated with behavior therapy first, before trying medication. Behavior therapy is the recommended treatment for ADHD in children under 6 years of age.

When should kids take Strattera?

Strattera is approved for use with children aged 6 years and older, as well as teens and adults with ADD. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in patients less than six years of age.

What are the side effects of Strattera in children?

The most common side effects in children and adolescents are:

• Upset stomach (e.g., nausea, vomiting).
• Decreased appetite, which may cause weight loss.
• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Mood swings.
• Insomnia.
• Drowsiness.

Does Strattera help kids with ADHD?

Strattera may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. Strattera should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies. Strattera has not been studied in children less than 6 years old.

How do I parent my 5 year old with ADHD?

Other “do’s” for coping with ADHD

1. Create structure. Make a routine for your child and stick to it every day.
2. Break tasks into manageable pieces.
3. Simplify and organize your child’s life.
4. Limit distractions.
5. Encourage exercise.
6. Regulate sleep patterns.
7. Encourage out-loud thinking.
8. Promote wait time.

Is Strattera OK for kids?

“Strattera is better for children with ADHD plus anxiety symptoms and for adolescents who have problems with substance abuse or addiction because they are not as potentially addictive as stimulants.”

How do you take Strattera for kids?

For children, Strattera should be initiated at a total daily dose of approximately 0.5 mg/kg and gradually increased after a minimum of 3 days to a target total daily dose of approximately 1.2 mg/kg. No additional benefit has been demonstrated for doses higher than 1.2 mg/kg/day.

Can a child take Strattera at night?

A common complaint about Strattera is that it causes sedation, but Biederman says daytime sleepiness can usually be avoided by giving the drug at night.

Why you shouldn’t take ADHD medication?

Despite the widespread belief that medications for ADHD are relatively safe, the research says otherwise. The research demonstrates that your child will likely have a side effect from the medication. Side effects range from reduced eating and growth, irritability, rage, and personality changes to psychotic behaviors.

What can harmful side effects Strattera cause in a child?

In Summary. Common side effects of Strattera include: constipation,insomnia,decreased appetite,and xerostomia.

For the Consumer. There is an increased risk of suicidal ideation in children and adolescents.

For Healthcare Professionals.

Further information.

What is the starting dose for Strattera?

For adults (and children or teens weighing more than 154 pounds), Strattera should be started at 40 mg once daily (or 20 mg twice daily). After at least three days, your healthcare provider can increase your Strattera dose to 80 mg once daily (or 40 mg twice daily).

What is a good alternative to Strattera?

Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Strattera for ADHD treatment. Some of these Strattera alternatives include: Lifestyle changes, including therapy. Stimulant ADHD medications. Other non-stimulant ADHD medications.

Does Strattera work like Adderall?

No, Strattera is not a stimulant like Adderall. It should not make you feel hyper. It appears to have no abuse potential. You may find this link useful: https://www.drugs.com/comments/atomoxetine/strattera.html.