ADHD Medication Side Effects
If your doctor prescribes ADHD medicine for your child or you, you may be afflicted by side effects. It may take a long time to find the right dosage and the right medication for you.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost brain chemicals that influence attention and concentration.
Doctors can also prescribe guanfacine, (trade names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine, (Catapres), to reduce the impulsive and tics of those suffering from ADHD. They can take several weeks to effect.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost the brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine, which help people pay attention and focus their minds. They also help in decreasing feelings of restlessness as well as impulsivity and aggression. The stimulants are controlled and only psychiatrists and paediatricians trained in their use are able to prescribe them.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are two the most popular stimulants used to treat ADHD. These drugs have been available for a long time and boost neurotransmitters in a variety of ways. They are available in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release capsules or tablets. Some are ingested and others are given via injection. Most people use the extended-release versions of these drugs. They are available from the early morning until late evening and can aid in avoiding the "crash", which can occur when people stop taking short-acting stimulant medications.
Nonstimulants
These medicines have less effect than stimulants, however they can help people focus and manage their behavior. These medicines may be prescribed by a doctor for adults and teens who do not receive enough stimulation from stimulants or to boost the effects of stimulants on children. Some of these medicines are a type of antidepressant, and others are a blood pressure medication. They can take up to several weeks before they begin working, and don't perform as well as stimulants.
Behavioural therapy
Treatment options for those suffering from ADHD usually involve a combination of therapy and medication like family-based therapy or individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Behavioural therapy is more effective than medication alone. Parents and teachers can learn how to encourage positive behaviour and reduce negative behaviour among children with ADHD through a treatment program for families. Individual CBT helps people with ADHD learn to alter their thinking patterns and manage their issues more effectively.
Behavioural Therapy is especially useful for young ADHD children. This 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 behavior and learning at home and at school.
Iam Psychiatry can make changes to your diet, such as abstaining from foods that are that are high in sugar as well as artificial colours or flavours. There isn't convincing evidence that diets like this can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. It is important to seek medical advice prior to trying to modify your child's eating habits.
Drugs and adverse effects
Every medicine can cause adverse reactions. However, most of them will vanish after your body has adjusted to the medicine. Some of the side effects can be serious and you should consult your doctor about them if you are concerned.
Psychoeducation is an educational program that can help children, teenagers and adults to understand their ADHD and how to best manage it. It can be useful for parents or caregivers who are struggling with their own issues when dealing with a child with ADHD.