How to Help Your Teen with ADHD Take Their Medication

If your teen has ADHD, you may have difficulty getting them to take their medication. They may refuse, forget, or complain about it. You may wonder why they are difficult and what you can do to help them.

In this blog post, you will learn:

Why teens with ADHD may refuse to take their medicationHow to involve your teen in the treatment processHow to monitor and track the effects of the medicationHow to praise and reward your teen for taking their medicationHow to provide structure and reminders for taking the medicationHow to be supportive and empatheticSome products that may help your teen with ADHDWhy Teens with ADHD May Refuse to Take Their Medication

There are many possible reasons why teens with ADHD may refuse to take their medication. Some of them are:

They don’t like the side effects. Some common side effects of ADHD medication are loss of appetite, insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, mood swings, or anxiety.They don’t feel the benefits. Some teens may not notice or appreciate the positive effects of ADHD medication on their attention, focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity.They want to fit in. Some teens may feel embarrassed or ashamed of having ADHD or taking medication for it. They may worry about being teased, bullied, or judged by their peers or others.They want to have control. Some teens may resist taking their medication to assert their autonomy and identity. They may feel that they have no say or choice in their treatment. They may want to make their own decisions and prove themselves.They are misinformed. Some teens may have false or inaccurate beliefs about ADHD or its medication. They may think that ADHD is not a real disorder, that medicine is addictive or harmful, or that they can outgrow or overcome ADHD without medication.How to Involve Your Teen in the Treatment Process

One of the best ways to help your teen take their medication is to involve them in treatment. This means:

Educating yourself and your teen about ADHD and its medication. Learn as much as you can about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of ADHD. Share this information with your teen clearly and respectfully.Respect your teen’s opinions and preferences about their medication. Ask them how they feel about taking it, what they like or dislike, and what they hope to achieve. Listen to their concerns and complaints without judging or dismissing them.Working with them to find the best type, dose, schedule, and method of taking their medication. Seek professional help if needed.

By involving your teen in the treatment process, you can help them understand the benefits of taking their medication, feel more comfortable and confident about it, and have more ownership and responsibility.

How to Monitor and Track the Effects of Medication

Another way to help your teen take their medication is to monitor and track the effects of the medicine. This means:

Keep a record of when your teen takes their medication, what dose they take, and how they react to it. Note any changes in their behaviour, mood, performance, or side effects.Sharing this information with your teen and their doctor regularly. Adjust the medication as needed based on the feedback and results.

By monitoring and tracking the effects of the medication, you can help your teen see the positive impact of taking their medication, identify any problems or issues that need attention, and optimize the treatment outcome.

How to Praise and Reward Your Teen for Taking Their Medication

A third way to help your teen take their medication is to praise and reward them for taking their medication. This means:

Recognizing and appreciating your teen’s efforts and cooperation in taking their medication. Give them positive feedback and encouragement to follow the treatment plan.Rewarding them with privileges, incentives, or treats they value and enjoy.

By praising and rewarding your teen for taking their medication, you can help them feel more motivated and satisfied with taking their medication, reinforce their good behaviour and habits, and strengthen your relationship with them.

How to Provide Structure and Reminders for Taking the Medication

A fourth way to help your teen take their medication is to provide structure and reminders for taking the drug. This means:

Helping your teen establish a routine and habit of taking their medication simultaneously every day. Use visual cues, alarms, timers, calendars, apps, or other tools to remind them when to take it.Storing the medication in a safe and accessible place. Check if they have taken it or not.

By providing structure and reminders for taking the medication, you can help your teen remember and follow through with taking their medication, reduce the chances of missing or skipping doses, and make the process easier and smoother.

How to Be Supportive and Empathetic

A fifth way to help your teen take their medication is to be supportive and empathetic. This means:

Showing your teen that you care about them and understand their feelings. Acknowledge the challenges and difficulties they face due to ADHD or its medication.Expressing your confidence and trust in their abilities and potential. Offer your help and guidance when needed.

Being supportive and empathetic can help your teen cope with the emotional and social aspects of taking their medication, boost their self-esteem and resilience, and foster a positive and healthy attitude towards their medicine.

Recommended Products for Teens with ADHD

If you’re looking for products that can complement your teen’s ADHD management, consider a Smart Planner Pro, Fidget Toys Set, Noise Cancelling Headphones, ADHD Workbook for Teens, or a Weighted Blanket. These products can help your teen with attention, focus, stress, mood, and sleep.

Conclusion

Having a teen with ADHD who refuses to take their medication can be stressful and frustrating for you and your teen. However, by understanding the reasons behind their refusal, involving them in the treatment process, monitoring and tracking the effects of the medication, praising and rewarding them for taking it, providing structure and reminders for taking it, and being supportive and empathetic, you can help your teen overcome this challenge and benefit from their medication. If you have any questions or comments about this blog post, please leave them below. I would love to hear from you!