ADHD Medications for a 4 year old?

Question

I am hoping to specific information from parents that have experience with ADHD in younger children. What did medications were perscribed, what effects did you see, both pros and cons.

Answer 1

To the best of my knowledge, there are no medications that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in children under the age of 6. In extreme cases, a child might be so severely ADHD that his behavior results in multiple serious injuries (broken bones, etc.), and the risks of medication outweigh the risks of not medicating him. However, this is very rare. My mom said that in her 25+ years as a child psychologist (specializing in diagnosing and treating learning disabilities) she's seen two pre-school age kids she thought were severely enough ADHD to justify medication.

If your child really is that ADHD that he needs to be on medication at such a young age, he'd likely be put on a form of stimulant (Ritalin, Adderall, etc.). There's very little diffence between the different stimulants. The only non-stimulant medication approved to treat ADHD is Strattera. Because it's relatively new, many doctors are reluctant to prescribe it to older children and adults, and would amost certainly not prescribe it to anyone under 6 years old as it is not approved for children under 6 years. Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat ADHD when traditional stimulant treatments prove ineffective, but they're generally considered a back up treatment, and in most cases are less effective than stimulants.

Once the dose is properly adjusted, you'll see significant improvement in behavior with minimal side effects. However, the long-term effects of stimulants on pre-school age kids are not well documented. Early childhood is a time of rapid neurological development, and the medications may cause damage in a 4-year-old that they do not cause in a 6-year-old.

The use of stimulant medications in pre-school age children is significantly safer than running in front of a bus or hanging off ceiling fans, but it's definitely much more of a danger than getting a D in preschool story time. You shouldn't even think about medicating your child at that age unless his behavior is resulting in repeated serious injuries, and all other options have been fully exhausted.

Answer 2

I've been told by a medical professional that before the child reaches the age of 5 or so, it's impossible to diagnose them as ADHD or ADD. Children are normally hyperactive, some to an extreme degree, but they will undergo changes in hyperactivity as they grow and go through adolescence...give it a couple of years, and if you are still concerned, then take your child to the doctor. Remember that kids will be kids, and most kids that age are bouncing off the walls. You may have an extreme circumstance--not trying to say otherwise b/c I don't know--but personal experience with my son who was a hellraiser as a tot and is fine now is what I'm referencing from, b/c there for a while I was very concerned about him.

Answer 3

As an adult with ADD, let me recommend an incredible book, before you medicate your child. The DaVinci Method by Garret Loporto. I'm in the middle of it right now, and it is very eye-opening, all about ADD/ ADHD people and some misconceptions about ADD/ADHD. I was put on meds for a while, and it really screws up your creative nature. Instead, try this for now...before school (or pre-school), have your 4 year old run around in the yard, to get out all that pent-up energy. Jump, climb, run, whatever. For at least 15 minutes. It works, and they should be calmer durning the day. The same goes for adults, but they go to the gym.... But your child has a gift, don't stifle it with meds, that is what happened to me so I'd hate to see yet another child's soul crushed. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

My son just started taking straterra which is a non-stimulant. Well, he's 7 and a second-grader. We always knew he had ADHD but we were in denial since he was in kindergarten. His grades went from D's and F's to B's and A's. His hand-writing is alot better, he doesn't squirm or fidget with his hands and feet anymore. The teacher seen amazing remarks from him. For the first month the medicine made him a little sleepy but now he doesn't seem to make him tired. Other than that we're happy with the results.
With a four year old that's hard. I would wait till he starts school and see if he has gotten worse with his ADHD. Although if he's in pre-school. Make sure you and the teacher fill out a Conner's Report which ask Q's about his behaviors and actions.

Answer 5

Hi Brianne: First, I must advise you to ignore anyone who said anything about this being a discipline issue, as well as anyone who said not to medicate him or to put him on coffee; while it is true that coffee works very similarly to the medications available (calming effect on people with ADHD), it is not a valid treatment option for someone with a real, proven brain disease. If your child has ADHD, and it is significantly impairing his schoolwork, then medication is often a good option. It might also be a very good idea to compliment any medication with therapy, social skills training and school based interventions. It sounds as though he might have both ADHD and possibly a conduct disorder, or it could be normal developmental processes at play. Discuss these concerns with a doctor you trust and, if you're not satisfied, get a second opinion. Ritalin (methylphenidate HCl) is still a very good choice in terms of safety. Newer time-released options are a better choice, like Concerta or Ritalin XR, because they last longer and tend to have milder side-effect profiles. The "Zombie" side effect you mentioned you had as a child may have been an issue with the dosage, or a transient side effect; it may or may not happen to your child, and it tends to be relatively rare in the stimulants if the dosage is adjusted appropriately. It may occur and go away with adjustment to the medication, or it may not; you may need to try multiple medications before you find an ideal fit, or you may not. It varies. Strattera (atomoxetine HCl) is a newer medication that works very differently from Ritalin and stimulant medications. It works on a brain chemical called norepinephrine, as opposed to dopamine which the stimulants work on, and it may be a good option to discuss with a psychiatrist. Medications for ADHD have well evaluated safety profiles; side effects are usually mild and temporary. The first line of treatment, for good reason, is a time released version of Ritalin such as Concerta; it works well and is generally very safe for acute treatment of ADHD and even Conduct Disorder comorbidity. Also something to keep in mind: medication is one treatment option. If he is displaying both ADHD and Conduct Disorder (CD) symptoms, you need to ensure therapy is integrated as well. Find a psychiatrist that you trust to guide you through this process. Good luck to you.

Answer 6

There are numerous views for and against medication. You would have to judge for yourself what you really would want for your child when the time does come. Before that, do refrain from labelling your child, despite the social pressure that you may be receiving towards doing so.

However, medication for a 4-year-old is too early. There have been other respondents above who have shared about how you can teach your child with patience.

Answer 7

Please find some other alternative than putting your child on meds at 4years old. Children are going to hyperactive but it is up to you as the parent to set rules for them and keep them busy. Look at your childs diet, upbringing, environment, and when he or she starts acting out. Maybe something in those categories can help you get your child under control.

Answer 8

to give medication to a child that young could have serious effects on their brain development

its sad...i've seen many parents ask for ADHD or ADD medications for their young child just because they were hyper or having some difficulty learning.

Answer 9

**Disclaimer: I'm not saying or blaming bad parenting. This is just MY findings from observing so called ADHD kids (a few, not just a couple)**
MOST kids have been MIS-diagnosed as having ADHD.
EVERY symptom I've read and studied seems to be nothing more than a hyper kid that the parents are unable to find that magic formula of teaching their kid what's appropriate and how to control their emotions.
It's not the parents fault. The didn't MAKE them that way. They just have a unique way of learning various skills that are expected in everyday life.
I would avoid drugging your kid at any cost. There is a way to do it, you just have to have patience and learn the uniqueness of your child.
Good luck

Answer 10

I would try to find another way. Drugs at that age.. I dunno. Doesn't sound right.