Getting a Child to Take Medication

Perhaps you could find a special drink that he can only have if he uses it to take his pill. Maybe chocolate milk, koolaid, etc.

Just wondering...how old was your son when he was diagnosed? My 9 year old son has severe ADD but does very well in school. We were told by more than one physician that in order to medicate he needs to show some signs of impairment (for kids this means difficulties in school). It is frustrating dealing with his absent-mindedness -you wouldn't believe the stories I have -- but when he was little (4) the doctors said all little boys lack focus and are often "high spirited". How did a 4 year old demonstrate impairment? Does anyone know why there is such disparity with ADD diagnosis?

If it is a pill that cannot be opened, like Concerta, and he MUST swallow, I tried with my son all the recommended techniques - put it in a straw and have him suck it up with chocolate milk or some other drink; put it on a spoon with chocolate syrup to make it slippery to swallow. My son was NOT having it - he refused to swallow it, he couldn't make himself swallow it, it became an aweful, crying, battle. He would cry even before he tried and he wouldn't even TRY. So... we switched to Vyvanse, which could be opened and put into a drink - I put it in the little medicine dosage cups with coolaid. He drinks it, I put a little more in to get the rest. NO problems. It's time released too and he does fine with it that way. If you can get your child to swallow the pill - I envy you! We'll be there one day, but this works for us for now.

Do you think he could swallow it with a food that doesn't really get chewed? Like pudding or oatmeal or applesauce?

is there any beverage that he really loves but isnt usually allowed?? Like chocolate milk or soda, let him take his pill with that and then he could have the rest of the glass full once he swallows it.

Practice with little candies that your child likes. Offer prizes.

I started swallowing pills at 3 for asthma. Everyone was always amazed at that. You may try having him watch you or your husband swallow vitamins, etc. Does he know that this medicine makes him feel better, and that swallowing pills doesn't hurt? I would talk with his doctor and ask for suggestions, they will have had the most experience with this issue.

I encourage you to look in to Brain Balance Achievement Centers. www.brainbalancecenters.com They are a non medical center that integrates physical and cognitive exercises with dietary change to correct a fundamental imbalance between the two hemispheres of the brain - a "communication breakdown" that results in a range of negative symptoms and behaviors. Get the book "Disconnected Kids" by Dr. Robert Melillo which will explain alot of how the program works and you will be able to test your child to see if he fits some of the criteria.

My son takes a time released ADHD medication. We were told to sprinkle it in a bite of pudding, yogurt, etc. I use a small bite of ice cream and he never refuses. Check with your pharmacist to see if it would alter the efficacy of his.