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Ready to renew your Medicaid coverage? Explore our step-by-step guide to Medicaid renewal. Here's how
Ready to renew your Medicaid coverage? Explore our step-by-step guide to Medicaid renewal. Here's how

Managing childhood ADHD and medication

If your child is on medication for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), there are things you need to know.

For many children, medications for ADHD can decrease hyperactivity and help them focus. It is important to find what works best for your child. Sometimes several medications or different dosages need to be tried. It is important to work with your child’s doctor to monitor them closely.

It is recommended that your child have follow-up visits with their doctor.

  • The first follow up visit should be within 30 days after first filling a medication.
  • At least two additional visits should occur within 9 months after the first visit. This is to make sure the medication is working correctly.

Here are seven ways you can help your child:

  1. Develop a system that makes sure no medicine doses will be missed. Consider buying pill trays for home and school. Ask your pharmacist for ideas.
  2. Learn about the medicine your child takes, potential side effects, and results.
  3. Seek a second opinion if you have concerns about your child’s treatment.
  4. Make sure you and all caregivers follow the directions for your child’s medicine.
  5. Watch your child for positive changes both at home and in school. Keep track of any side effects. Consider keeping a medicine journal. Record dosages, side effects, and behaviors. Bring that information to any follow-up visits. It can help make treatment choices and plan long-term management strategies. Tell your child's healthcare provider what you or others observe.
  6. Don't run low on medicine. Some medicines for ADHD need extra time to fill than most kinds of medicines.
  7. Ask your child how they feel about taking medicine.

Meridian Medicaid Plan is here to help. We can help you find a doctor or connect you with one of our care managers. They can help you and answer your questions.

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