What if ritalin doesnt work

In spite of concerns that have been voiced regarding growth and stimulants, a recent well-done clinical study showed that neither ADHD nor treatment with stimulants was associated in a change in how fast kids grow during the maximum growth period or in final adult height. Combined with other studies, it seems clear that stimulant treatment has little to no impact on growth. A small minority of children experience behavioral changes as their ADHD medication wears off, typically at the end of the school day.

They can seem more irritable or emotional, but it is usually mild. This may be connected to the medication level dropping, and strategies that create a more gradual decrease in the medication level may help take it away, such as adding a smaller dose a half hour before the medication wears off.

Tics usually start between 6 and 8 years of age, which is often when kids first start taking a medication for ADHD. Tics also come and go over time. But this should be monitored during treatment. If you child has tics or develops tics during treatment, you could discuss trying a non-stimulant medication, which affects the brain in a different way.

When a stimulant dose is too high for a child he may begin to look sedated or zombie-like, or tearful and irritable. If this happens the prescription should be adjusted until the right dose is found: one in which the child gets the benefits of the medication with the least possible side effects.

But there is a small subset of kids with ADHD who seem to get moody and irritable when they take stimulant medications, even if they are taking the best possible dose.

It usually happens right away, as soon as they start taking the medication, and goes away immediately when they stop taking it. If this happens with your child, it may help to switch to a different stimulant, since some kids react differently to those based on methylphenidate and those based on amphetamine.

In fact they are at a higher risk for developing major depressive disorder than other kids. Clonidine Catapres, Kapvay and guanfacine Tenex, Intuniv are called alpha-adrenergic agonists, and these medications were developed to lower high blood pressure.

These medications can make kids feel tired and you need to check blood pressure and heart rate while taking these medications. Both clonidine and guanfacine are short-acting medications that require several doses each day, but they come in a longer acting version Kapvay and Intuniv.

They are also sometimes used to treat tics. Atomoxetine Strattera is in a class of drugs called norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Other side effects might be changes in how your child reacts to things, poorer sleep, or increased tiredness.

But your child should be the same kid as always. There are various types of ADHD medication. They have their own benefits and side effects , and medications can work in different ways in different people.

Many kids try a various doses or medications before they find the right fit. Sometimes it helps to change between stimulant and non-stimulant medication. Keep in mind that ADHD is genetic. Can adolescents or adults develop symptoms of ADHD? If so, you are not alone. Standard medications can be very effective in treating ADHD symptoms but for a significant number of patients, medications are not helpful. Infections and ADHD-like symptoms Growing evidence also indicates that, in some cases, an underlying biological or physical cause i.

Neuroimmunomodulation ; David C. Rettew, MD. Clinical and neurobiological factors in the management of treatment refractory attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. Journal of Attention Disorders , 19 11 , — Journal of Neuroimmunology , Volume , — First 1 2 Last. Learn more about how infections can trigger neuropsychiatric symptoms. A pound adult may need 5 mg.

Since the dose needed is specific to the patient, medication should be started low, at 5 mg. If no benefits are seen, the dose should be increased, by 5 mg. The most frequent are learning disabilities, anxiety disorders , mood disorders, anger control problems, or obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD. To keep yourself or your child calm and focused in the morning, try to wake up an hour earlier than usual to take the ADHD medication.

Then, go back to sleep. For children, if going back to sleep is difficult, discuss using Daytrana , a methylphenidate patch, with your doctor. If you do this, an earlier afternoon dose may be needed. If you or your child crashes in the afternoon: Maybe there is a dip in coverage around noon, and difficulties arise between 12 and 1. Maybe you begin to feel unfocused around 4 p. Play detective to determine when ADHD symptoms worsen. Maybe the four-hour tablet lasts only three hours with you or your child.

Perhaps the eight-hour capsule you are giving your son is not releasing evenly. Side effect: loss of appetite: While some ADHD medications suppress appetite , a healthy appetite often returns in several weeks.