I came across a very helpful website with tips for taking or deciding which medications to take for someone suffering from the symptoms of ADHD. This website is http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_medications.htm#top . The content of this website includes the different types of medications that can be taken, safety concerns of the medications, questions to ask yourself before taking medication, guidelines for taking the medication, and dealing with the side effects of the medication. This website really interested me because I know as a future educator at some point in time I will have a student who suffers from ADHD and I should be able to know the medications that they are taking and what to look out for if something goes wrong and side effects occur.
I learned that there are two ways to combat ADHD with medication. The first is to use stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine. These medications come in long and short term dosages and depending on the context of the need the right time frame should be chosen. Stimulants are used to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactivity behaviors.
Another type of medication is non-stimulant medications. The most common medication in this type is known as Strattera. This medication works by boosting the level of norepinephrine in the brain. This medication lasts longer than stimulants and can be taken only once a day compared to several times a day for some stimulants. On the downside, Strattera is not as effective as stimulants for controlling symptoms of hyperactivity.
I also really liked some of the guidelines that the website gave on taking medications linked with ADHD. The first step is to learn about the medication and the potential side effects. The second step is to be patient in finding the right medication for your situation. The third step is to start in small dosages to find the lowest dosage amount that works to reduce your symptoms. The fourth step is to monitor the drug’s effects and keep track of any side effects. The fifth step is to taper use off slowly at the end to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
I especially like the segment of this website that educates teachers on how to effectively deal with students with ADHD. This material can be found at http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_teaching_strategies.htm . On this page it mentions how teachers can determine which students suffer from this condition based on the outcomes of the students actions. It also mentions tips for how to effectively arrange your classroom, how to deliver information, how to keep the student organized, and how to deal with the students work.
In addition to demonstrating to teachers how to teach students with ADHD, there is a section that provides information to the parents of students with ADHD. It gives them ideas on how to communicate with the teacher about their son or daughter, how to set up an environment that is not distracting at home for homework, and how to deal with the child’s behavior in a positive manner.
This website is very useful for anyone who wants to learn more about ADHD, the methods for controlling the disorder, and tips for achieving success in your interactions with people who have ADHD. I know that I have found this website to be helpful in my understanding of ADHD and I will most likely use this material many times throughout my teaching career.