Managing ADHD Medication Rebound

If your child's ADHD medication causes unpleasant symptoms when it starts to wear off, your child may be experiencing medication rebound. Understanding the signs and causes of medication rebound can help you and your healthcare provider manage these effects.

Understanding ADHD Medication Rebound

ADHD stimulant medications can be very helpful in managing symptoms, but they can also cause side effects, including rebound effects. Rebound occurs when the medication's effects wear off suddenly, leading to a range of negative symptoms.

Rebound effects can include:

• A noticeable change in demeanor
• Excessive moodiness
• Irritability or anger
• Nervousness
• Sadness or crying
• Fatigue
• Worsened ADHD symptoms

Rebound is more common with shorter-acting stimulants that leave the body quickly.

Managing Medication Rebound

• Talk to your healthcare provider. If your child experiences rebound effects, talk to their healthcare provider. They may recommend changing the medication, dosage, or timing of doses to reduce rebound.

• Consider longer-acting medications. Longer-acting stimulants may reduce rebound effects because they leave the body more gradually.

• Provide a snack before the medication wears off. A snack can help offset the effects of rebound.

• Plan activities for the medication wear-off period. Plan activities that your child enjoys and that are unlikely to trigger rebound effects.

• Encourage your child to communicate. Encourage your child to talk about how they're feeling and what they're experiencing. This can help you better understand and manage their rebound effects.

• Be patient. Adjusting ADHD medication can take time. Be patient and work with the healthcare provider to find the best medication and dosage for your child.

Preventing Medication Rebound

• Avoid skipping doses. Give your child their medication on time, even if they're feeling well. Skipping doses can lead to rebound effects.

• Be consistent with the medication schedule. Try to give your child their medication at the same time each day. This will help to keep the medication levels in their body consistent and reduce rebound effects.

• Talk to your child's teacher and other caregivers. Let them know about your child's ADHD and medication rebound. This will help them to understand and support your child.