ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you could suffer from side effects if a doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It may take a long time to find the right dosage and the right medication for you.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medications used to treat ADHD. They increase brain chemicals which influence attention and concentration.
Doctors can also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and Clonidine (Catapres) to help reduce anxiety and impulsive behavior among people suffering from ADHD. uk adhd medication can take several weeks to work.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs boost the brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine which aid people in paying attention and concentrate their thoughts. They also help in reducing feelings of restlessness as well as impulsivity and aggression. Stimulants are highly controlled, and only psychiatrists and paediatricians who have been trained in their use are able to prescribe them.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are two the most common stimulants used to treat ADHD. These drugs have been around for a long time, and are used in different ways to increase neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation as well as thinking skills. They are available in different 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 opt for extended-release versions of these drugs. They last from morning until night and help to prevent the "crash", which can occur when people stop taking stimulant drugs that short-act.
Nonstimulants
These medications have less effect than stimulants, but they can help people focus and manage their behavior. They are often prescribed by a physician for teens and adults who don't get enough help from stimulants, or to help increase the effects of stimulants in children. Some of these medications are antidepressants while others are blood pressure drugs. They can take a few weeks before they begin to work and don't perform as effectively on their own as stimulants do.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients usually consist of a combination of treatment with a behavioral therapist that includes individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behaviour therapy is generally more effective than medications alone. For instance 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 assists people who have ADHD to learn to alter their thinking patterns and better manage their issues.
Behavioural therapy can be particularly beneficial for young children with ADHD. This will help them develop the skills to improve their interactions with other children and deal with social difficulties. It can teach parents how to help their child's behaviour and learning at home and in school.
Lifestyle changes
It is possible to make changes to your diet by avoiding foods high in sugar and artificial colours or flavors. There is no evidence to suggest that these diets will aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. Before making changes to your child's diet, it's essential to talk with a doctor.
Medications and their side effects
All medicines can trigger adverse effects. However, the majority of them will go away once your body has adapted to the medication. Certain side effects from these drugs are very dangerous, and you should always talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Psychoeducation is a program designed to help adolescents, children and adults learn more about ADHD and how to deal with it. It can also be helpful parents and caregivers who struggle with their own issues about having a child or teen with ADHD.