medication refusal

[Melrushing]

what do you do when your kid flat out refuses his medicine and his behavior and grades getting wors help!

[Onthemove1971]

Thank-you for joining the group. We are here to support you. Could you give us a little more information?

What other tools are you trying to help your child? What grade is your child in?

Have you had a chance to set up an educational plan yet? This is just one part of helping a child to be successful in school.

It would also be helpful if you are working with a Child Psycharistrist, who could maybe try a different type of medication.

In general many kids with ADHD benefit from the follow 3 tools: educational plan (IEP or 504 plan), therapy and medication.

We hope we can give you some suggestions that have helped us.

[breezebay]

The biggest question is why is your child refusing his medicine? If it is because of the way it makes him feel or other negative side effects, I would try a different medication or different dosage of his current medication until you can find the right one. A minor adjustment can make a world of difference. Keep trying until you get it just right for him with no negative side effects. Best of luck!

[Aloysia]

I want to add that if you think he might not refuse another adult (but will refuse with the parent), then you could try having the school administrator the meds. But the most common reason for kids to refuse medication is due to side effects that they have trouble expressing to you. If that's the situation, then try another medication.

[Mamamichl]

My kid always refuses meds. My partner says his grandma did too. ask the doctor if there are other ways. I hear some have chewable, and others in capsules can be emptied in food (I did ice cream or pudding).

Also, make sure that the iron/504 has good accommodations. My kid may be getting no homework this year unless it’s something she refuses to do in class.

[LisethHIS]

Good day, Melrushing,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. You might want to ask the doctor if using a patch could be a better option. Also, try to find out why your child is reluctant to take the medication. These articles might offer some useful insights. chadd.org/adhd-weekly/when-... and chadd.org/adhd-news/adhd-ne...

If there is anything else you need, please let me know.

Best Regards,

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD

chadd.org

[hudzyb]

if he is defiant in this and many other ways as well, you might look into treatment for ODD. Just a thought.