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| In Spanish: Síndrome Del Niño Hiperactivo: Tratamiento Con Metilfenidato | ||
Add: Ritalin TreatmentAttention deficit disorder, or ADD, manifests itself as poor attention span. This genetic disorder may be due to a deficiency in neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain. Ritalin or other stimulant medications give dramatic improvement in 70 to 80 percent of children with ADD. They improve attention span, the ability to follow directions, the ability to complete schoolwork, and the ability to think before acting. Teenagers with ADD who take Ritalin also drive better and play sports better. If your child has ADD, here are some facts about Ritalin and other stimulants: FIRST: Most children need two doses of Ritalin per day, one with breakfast and one with lunch. Ritalin usually lasts four hours. A long-acting Ritalin that lasts eight hours is also available. Children who have difficulty finishing their homework are usually helped by a 4:00 p.m. dose of Ritalin. SECOND: Give the Ritalin after breakfast, lunch, or a snack. Taken on an empty stomach, Ritalin often causes stomachaches and poor appetite. THIRD: Children who are not disruptive or terribly hyperactive at home, do not need Ritalin during weekends, holidays, or summertime. If peer relations are poor because of impulsive behavior, daily Ritalin may be helpful. FOURTH: Ritalin is a very safe drug. Side effects are uncommon. A high dosage can cause weight loss. Some children develop irritability, difficulty falling asleep, or easy crying. Rarely, a child develops tics or involuntary twitches of the face. Rarely, the growth in height will slow down, but it catches up during Ritalin holidays. Your child's height and weight will be monitored while taking Ritalin. FINALLY: Ritalin alone never cures a child's ADD. Medications without a special education program and home management program have no long-term benefit. Drugs need to be part of a broader treatment program. If you have other questions about stimulant medications, consult your healthcare provider. |
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