« Questions For the Doctor | Main | 2nd Annual ADHD “Focus on Your Possibilities” Scholarship »
September 23, 2006
Medications Given At School
Many children with ADHD have to take their medications daily to help with concentration at school. Most students find it embarrassing and would rather not go to the nurse’s office to take their medication. But, unfortunately, some times this cannot be avoided. Most stimulant medications have long acting, slow releasing doses that last for up to 12 hours, if your child can tolerate them. There are 8 hour doses and 4 hour doses, also available. One 8 hour dose in the morning might not be enough to last the entire day. You might need to give your child an 8 hour dose in the morning and a 4 hour dose after school to help with home work and/or after school activities. Now, if you don’t have any major after school activities planned, you might be able to skip the 4 hour dose, but it is always best to check with your child’s doctor.
When your child has to have the school administer his or hers ADHD medication, your child’s physician should complete a form provided by your school, giving the school permission to administer medication. The doctor will complete is portion of the form that lists the following; medication, dosage, time to give, and the possible side effects. Some schools require your pharmacy to give them a separate bottle for the medication that is administered at school. If your child has to have the medications given at school, the school should promptly inform you if he or she does not go to the nurse’s office to take the medication or if there is a consistent pattern of your child being late or complaining about taking the medication. Medication is one of the most important parts of ADHD, and keeping in contact with the school will give you and your child a better chance at his or her having a successful academic career.
By: Margo Richter
Posted by margo1 at September 23, 2006 08:22 AM
Comments
Post a comment
Thanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)
(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)