ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you could suffer from side effects if a doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It may take some trial and error to find the right medicine and dosage for you.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase brain chemicals that affect concentration and attention.
Doctors may also prescribe guanfacine, (trade names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine, (Catapres), to reduce behavior that is impulsive or tics in people with ADHD. It can take several weeks to take effect.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used type of medication healthcare providers employ to treat ADHD. These medications increase levels of brain chemicals, known as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals aid people in focusing their thoughts and pay attention. They also assist in decreasing feelings of anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. They are extremely controlled, and only psychiatrists and paediatricians trained in their use are able to prescribe them.
Some of the most commonly used stimulants treating ADHD include amphetamines and methylphenidates. These drugs have been around for a long time and boost neurotransmitters in different ways. They are available in many forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets or capsules. Some are ingested and others are administered via injection. The majority of people choose the extended-release versions of these medications which last from the morning to evening and aid in avoiding the "crash" that can occur after they have stopped taking an inactive stimulant medication that is short-acting.
Nonstimulants
They have less impact than stimulants, but they can improve people's ability to concentrate and control their behaviour. These medicines are usually prescribed by a doctor for teenagers and adults who do not get enough stimulation from stimulants or to enhance the effects of stimulants on children. concerta adhd medication of these medications are a kind of antidepressant, and others are a blood pressure medication. They may take several weeks before they begin working, and don't perform like stimulants.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients often consist of a combination of medication and behavior therapy that includes individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behavioural therapy is more effective than medication alone. For example the family-based therapy program includes teachers and parents teaching how to encourage positive behavior and deter negative behaviour among children suffering from ADHD. Individual CBT helps those with ADHD develop new thinking patterns and manage their issues more effectively.
Behavioural Therapy can be particularly helpful for children who are young ADHD children. This can help children develop skills to improve their relationships with other children and deal with social challenges. It also teaches parents how to help their child's behavior and learning at home as well as at school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make dietary changes by abstaining from foods that are high in sugar and artificial colours or flavours. There is no evidence that these diets improve ADHD symptoms. It is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your child's eating habits.
Drugs and adverse effects
All medicines can cause adverse effects. However, most of them will go away when your body is accustomed to the medicine. Some of the side effects are serious and you should speak to your doctor about them if you are concerned.
Psychoeducation is a learning program that helps children, teenagers and adults understand their ADHD and how they can best live with it. It can be beneficial for parents or carers who struggle to deal with their own issues when dealing with children with ADHD.