ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you could be impacted by side effects if your doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It can take some experimenting to find the appropriate medication and dosage for you.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. adhd anxiety medication boost brain chemicals that affect attention and concentration.
Doctors can also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine (Catapres) to help reduce the impulsive and tics of people with ADHD. They can take several weeks to work.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medicines increase levels of brain chemicals, known as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals help people focus their thoughts and pay attention. These medications also work in reducing restlessness, impulsivity and aggression. The stimulants are controlled and only psychiatrists and paediatricians who have been trained in their use can prescribe them.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are two the most common stimulants used to treat ADHD. These drugs have been used for a long time, and are used in a variety of ways to boost neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation as well as thinking abilities. These drugs are available in various forms that include immediate release and extended-release tablets or capsules. Some are taken orally and some are given by injection. Most people take the extended-release versions of these drugs, which last from morning until evening, and aid in avoiding the "crash" that can occur when they stop taking an a stimulant that has a short-acting effect.
Nonstimulants
These medicines have less effect than stimulants, however they can help people focus and manage their behavior. They can be prescribed by a doctor to adults and teenagers who don't get enough support from stimulants, or to help boost the effects of stimulants on children. Some of these medicines are antidepressants while others are blood pressure medications. They can take several weeks before they begin to work and they do not work as effectively on their own as stimulants do.
Behavioural therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients often include a combination treatment with a behavioral therapist, such as individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behaviour therapy is generally more effective than medications alone. For example, a family-based therapy programme includes teachers and parents who teach them how to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviour in children with ADHD. Individual CBT can help people who have ADHD to understand how to change their thinking patterns and to manage their issues better.
Behavioural Therapy can be particularly helpful for young ADHD children. This helps them to develop the abilities to improve their relationships with other children and cope with social difficulties. It can also teach parents how to help their child's behaviour and learning at home and in school.
Lifestyle changes
This could include dietary changes, such as cutting out foods that are high in sugar or contain artificial colours and flavours. However, there is no strong evidence that diets like this can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. Before changing your child's diet, you are essential to talk with a doctor.
Side effects of medications
All medicines can trigger side effects. However, most of them will vanish once your body has adapted to the medication. Certain side effects of these drugs are very serious, and you should always talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Psychoeducation is an educational program that helps children, teenagers and adults to understand their ADHD and how they can most effectively live with it. It can also be helpful for parents and carers who are struggling with their own concerns having a child or teenager with ADHD.