ADHD Medication Side Effects
If your doctor prescribes ADHD medicine for your child or you, you may be afflicted by side effects. It can take some experimenting to determine the best medication and dosage for you.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. They boost brain chemicals, which affect attention and concentration.
Doctors can also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine (Catapres) to reduce the impulsive and tics of people suffering from ADHD. non prescription adhd medication can take up to several weeks before they begin working.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of brain chemicals, known as dopamine and norepinephrine. These substances aid people in focusing their thoughts and pay attention. These medicines are also effective in reducing restlessness, impulsivity and aggression. The use of stimulants is strictly controlled and only certified paediatricians and psychiatrists can prescribe them.
Some of the most commonly used stimulants for treating ADHD include amphetamines and methylphenidates. These medications have been in use for decades and work in various ways to increase neurotransmitters that control mood and motivation, as well as thinking skills. They are available in many forms, including immediate-release and extended-release capsules or tablets. Some are taken orally and others are administered via injection. Most people use the extended-release versions of these drugs. They are available from the morning until evening and help avoid the "crash" that can occur when people stop taking short-acting stimulant medications.
Non-stimulants
These medications are less effective than stimulants, but they can assist people control their behavior and focus better. They can be prescribed by a physician for adults and teenagers who don't get enough support from stimulants, or to boost the effects of stimulants in children. Some of these drugs are a kind of antidepressant, and others are a type of blood pressure drug. They may take a couple of weeks to begin working and they do not work as effectively in isolation like stimulants do.
Behavioural therapy
Treatment options for people with ADHD usually involve a combination of medication and behaviour therapy which includes family-based therapy or individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Behaviour therapy is more effective than medication alone. For example a therapy program that is family-oriented includes teachers and parents who teach them how to encourage positive behaviour and dissuade negative behaviours in children with ADHD. Individual CBT assists people who have ADHD to learn to alter their thinking patterns and better manage their issues.
Behavioural Therapy is especially useful for children who are young ADHD children. It helps them to develop the skills to improve their relationship with other children and deal with social challenges. It also teaches parents how to help their child's behavior and learning at home and in school.
Lifestyle changes
These can include dietary modifications for example, removing foods high in sugar or artificial colours and flavors. There is no evidence that these diets help improve ADHD symptoms. It is essential to seek medical advice prior to trying to modify your child's eating habits.
Drug-related side effects
Every medicine can cause side effects. However, the majority of them will disappear when your body is accustomed to the medication. Certain side effects of these drugs are very serious and you should consult your physician should you have any concerns.
Psychoeducation is an educational program which can help children, teenagers and adults comprehend their ADHD and how they can best live with it. It can also be helpful for parents and carers who struggle with their own concerns about having a teenager or child with ADHD.