ADHD Medication Side Effects
If your doctor prescribes ADHD medication, you or your child might have adverse effects. It may take some time to find the right dose and the right medication for you.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase brain chemicals that affect attention and concentration.
Doctors can prescribe guanfacine, (trade names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine (Catapres) to decrease tics and impulsive behaviors in those suffering from ADHD. It can take up to several weeks for them to start working.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These substances aid people in focusing their thoughts and pay attention. These medications are also effective in reducing impulsivity, restlessness and aggression. The use of stimulants is strictly controlled, so only trained paediatricians and psychiatrists 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 function in various ways to increase neurotransmitters that control mood and motivation, as well as thinking abilities. They are available in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets or capsules. Some are taken orally, and some are administered by injection. Most people use the extended-release versions of these drugs. They last from morning until night and aid in avoiding the "crash", which can occur when people quit taking short-acting stimulants.
Nonstimulants
They have less impact than stimulants, but can improve people's ability to concentrate and manage their behavior. These medicines may be prescribed by doctors for adults and teens who do not receive enough stimulation from stimulants or to boost the effects of stimulants on children. Certain of these medications are a kind of antidepressant, and others are a blood pressure medicine. They can take several weeks to start working and don't perform as well in isolation like stimulants do.
Behavioural therapy
Treatment options for those suffering from ADHD often involve a combination of therapy and medication like family-based therapy or individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Behavioural therapy is more efficient than medication alone. For example the family-based therapy program involves parents and teachers teaching how to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviours in children suffering from ADHD. Individual CBT helps people with ADHD to learn to change their thinking patterns and to manage their issues better.
Behavioural Therapy is especially useful for infants and ADHD children. This can help children develop skills to improve relationships with other kids and cope with social challenges. It also teaches parents how to help their children's behavior and learning at home as well as at school.
Lifestyle changes
These can include dietary modifications for example, removing foods that are high in sugar or artificial colours and flavors. There isn't strong evidence that eating a diet like this will help aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. adhd stimulant medication is crucial to seek advice from a doctor before making any changes to your child's eating habits.
Medicines and side effects
All medicines can cause adverse effects. However, the majority of them will disappear once your body has adapted to the medicine. Some of the side effects can be severe and you should consult your doctor about them if you are concerned.
Psychoeducation is a program that helps children, teens and adults better understand ADHD and how to live with it. It can be beneficial for parents and carers who struggle with their own issues when dealing with children with ADHD.