How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching and Counseling in Difficult Circumstances | Page 50

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! Drugs used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) The most commonly used drug in ADHD is methylphenidate (Ritalin). It is a stimulant and should be used along with educational, social and psychological help. Methylphenidate can help a young person’s abilities to concentrate and reduce over-activity and destructive behaviour. It is usually available from specialist centres only, and from general practitioners under ‘shared care’ agreements with specialist centres. It is also sometimes used to help narcolepsy (a sleep disorder), depression in the elderly and for ADHD in adults. Side-effects The main side-effects are nervousness, lack of sleep, lack of appetite and stomach-ache. These can sometimes be reduced by changing the dose or changing the times of the doses. Sometimes the drug can slow down the rate of growth, although the young person will still end up the height they would have done. Less often, side-effects such as feeling sick and skin rashes can occur. Important notes about medications for ADHD • Methylphenidate is a stimulant drug. It can be addictive, especially in adults. Take especial care that the drug goes to and is taken by the person for whom it is prescribed. • As methylphenidate is a stimulant, it is best not to give it after 4 pm as it may interfere with sleep. For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 52