ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you could suffer from side effects if a doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It can take some experimenting to find the right medicine and dose for you.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. They boost brain chemicals that affect attention and concentration.
Doctors may also prescribe guanfacine (trade names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine, (Catapres) to help reduce tics and impulsive behaviors in people with ADHD. It could take several weeks for them to begin working.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD. These medications increase levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These substances aid people in focusing their thoughts and pay attention. They also help in decreasing feelings of anxiety as well as impulsivity and aggression. They are strictly controlled, so only trained paediatricians and psychiatrists are able to prescribe them.
over the counter adhd medication used stimulants treating ADHD include amphetamines and methylphenidates. These drugs have been around for a long time and boost neurotransmitters in various ways. They are available in various forms including immediate release capsules and extended-release tablets or capsules. Some are taken orally, and others are administered via injection. The majority of people use extended-release versions of these medications that last from morning until evening, and assist in avoiding the "crash" that is often experienced after they have stopped taking an a stimulant that has a short-acting effect.
Non-stimulants
These medications have less effect than stimulants, but they can enhance the ability of people to concentrate and control their behaviour. They are often prescribed by a doctor to adults and teenagers who don't get enough support from stimulants, or to enhance the effects of stimulants on children. Some of these drugs are a type of antidepressant, and others are a type of blood pressure medicine. They may take a couple of weeks to begin working and don't perform as well in isolation as stimulants do.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients typically comprise a combination of medication and behavior therapy like individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behaviour therapy is more effective than medication alone. Parents and teachers can learn how to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviour among children with ADHD through an approach to treatment that is based on family. Individual CBT can help those with ADHD to learn to alter their thinking patterns, and better manage their issues.
Behavioural therapy is particularly useful for young children with ADHD. This will help them develop the skills to improve their relationship with other children as well as deal with social difficulties. It can teach parents how to help their child's behavior and learning at home and at school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make dietary changes by avoiding foods that are high in sugar or artificial colours or flavours. However, there is no strong evidence that eating a diet like this will help aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. Before changing your child's diet, it's important to consult a doctor.
Side effects of medications
All medicines have some side effects, but most will disappear after your body has adjusted to the medication. Certain side effects from these drugs can be extremely serious and you should consult your physician if you have concerns.
Psychoeducation is a learning program which can help adolescents, children, and adults understand their ADHD and how to best manage it. It can also be beneficial parents and caregivers who struggle with their own concerns about having a child or teenager with ADHD.