Should I Medicate My Child for ADHD?: 6 Insights to Help Parents Choose with Confidence

Deciding whether to start ADHD medication can feel overwhelming. Parents often wonder: Will ADHD meds change who my child is? What are the side effects? Do stimulants cause addiction? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, this episode of Raising ADHD will help you find clear, research-backed answers.

In this episode, we're breaking down the truth about ADHD medication, including stimulants, non-stimulants, side effects, and how to partner with your child’s doctor without the guilt.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• ✅ ADHD medication types explained: Stimulants (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Vyvanse) vs. non-stimulants (Strattera, Qelbree, guanfacine, clonidine).
• 🧪 How ADHD medications work: Why stimulants act within 30–60 minutes and wear off daily, while non-stimulants may take weeks to show results.
• 🧠 Common ADHD medication myths debunked:
  • “ADHD meds turn kids into zombies.”
  • “It takes weeks before stimulants work.”
  • “ADHD meds cause addiction or future substance abuse.”
• 🍎 Real ADHD medication side effects (and how to manage them): appetite suppression, afternoon rebound, irritability, and sleep challenges.
• 🛑 When to talk to your provider: Why emotional blunting, rebound irritability, or increased anxiety mean you may need a dose adjustment or different formulation.
• 🧭 How to decide on ADHD medication without spiraling: Practical steps to book an “info-only” doctor visit, track before/after changes at school, and reframe guilt as love in action.

Why this matters:

ADHD is a medical condition, not a willpower problem. When treated effectively, kids with ADHD are safer, more focused, and more confident. Research shows ADHD treatment can reduce accident risk, improve school performance, and support long-term success, without increasing the risk of substance abuse.

Resources + Next Steps:

• 📋 Create a simple ADHD medication tracker for teachers and parents.
• 🥞 Support appetite with a high-protein breakfast, calorie-dense snacks, and an after-school mini-meal.
• 😴 Build ADHD-friendly sleep routines: consistent bedtime, dim lights, and screen-free wind-down.
• 💬 Questions to ask your doctor:
  1. Which ADHD medication would you recommend first, and why?
  2. What side effects should I watch for?
  3. How can I tell if the dose is too high or too low?
  4. How do we handle rebound afternoons?
  5. If we stop, can we just stop or do we need to taper?
• Follow us on Instagram @raisingadhd_org

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