ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you may be impacted by side effects if your doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It could take some time to find the right medicine and dose for you.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase brain chemicals which affect attention and concentration.
Doctors can also prescribe guanfacine, (trade names Tenex and Intuniv), and clonidine (Catapres) to decrease behavior that is impulsive or tics in people suffering from ADHD. They can take a few weeks to work.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase levels of brain chemicals, known as dopamine and norepinephrine. These substances assist people to focus their minds and pay attention. They also help in decreasing feelings of anxiety as well as impulsivity and aggression. They are strictly controlled and only certified paediatricians and psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe them.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are among the most popular stimulants used to treat ADHD. These drugs have been around for decades and work in different ways to increase neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation, as well as thinking skills. These drugs are available in a variety of forms that include immediate release capsules and extended-release capsules or tablets. Some are taken orally and others are administered via injection. The majority of people choose the extended-release versions of these drugs, which last from morning to evening and help people avoid the "crash" that often happens when they stop taking a short-acting stimulant medication.
Nonstimulants
These medicines have less effect than stimulants, but they can enhance the ability of people to concentrate and control their behaviour. They can be prescribed by a doctor to teens and adults who don't get enough help from stimulants, or to boost the effects of stimulants in children. Some of these medicines are antidepressants, while others are blood pressure pills. They may take several weeks before they start working, and they don't work as effectively as stimulants.
Behaviour 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). Behaviour therapy is typically more effective than medication alone. For example the family-based therapy program includes teachers and parents teaching how to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviour in children suffering from ADHD. Individual CBT can help people with ADHD develop new thinking patterns and manage their issues more effectively.
Behavioural therapy can be particularly beneficial for children in the early years of ADHD. It helps them to develop the skills to improve their relationship with other children and cope with social challenges. It can also teach parents how to help their children's learning and behaviour at home and at school.
Lifestyle changes
These can include dietary modifications, such as cutting out foods that are high in sugar, or have artificial colours and flavors. There is medication for adhd that these diets aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. It is essential to seek advice from a doctor before trying to modify your child's eating habits.
Side effects of medications
All medicines come with side effects, but most go away after your body has adjusted to the medicine. Some of the side effects can be severe and you should speak to your doctor about them if you are concerned.
Psychoeducation is a program that helps adolescents, children and adults better understand ADHD and how to live with it. It is a great option for parents and carers who are struggling with their own issues when dealing with children with ADHD.