ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you could suffer from side effects if a doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It could take some time to find the right medicine and dosage for you.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase brain chemicals which affect attention and concentration.
Doctors can prescribe guanfacine (trade names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine, (Catapres) to help reduce tics and impulsive behaviors in people with ADHD. It can take several weeks to take effect.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine which aid people in paying attention and focus their thoughts. They are also effective for decreasing feelings of restlessness or impulsivity as well as aggression. Stimulants are highly regulated, so only trained paediatricians and psychiatrists can prescribe them.
adult adhd medication uk and methylphenidates are among the most common stimulants used to treat ADHD. These medications have been in use for decades and increase neurotransmitters in different ways. They are available in many forms such as extended-release and immediate-release capsules or tablets. Some are ingested and others are administered via injection. The majority of people choose the extended-release forms of these medications that last from morning until evening and can help people avoid the "crash" that often happens after they have stopped taking a short-acting stimulant medication.
Nonstimulants
These medications are less effective than stimulants but can help people to control their behavior and improve their concentration. They are often prescribed by a physician for teens and adults who don't get enough help from stimulants, or to boost the effects of stimulants on children. Some of these medications are antidepressants, whereas others are blood pressure pills. They can take several weeks before they start working and don't work quite as effectively as stimulants.
Behavioural therapy
Treatment options for people suffering from ADHD often involve a combination of therapy and medication, such as family-based therapy or individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Behaviour therapy is more effective than medication alone. For instance the family-based therapy program involves parents and teachers teaching how to encourage positive behavior and deter negative behaviours in children suffering from ADHD. Individual CBT assists those with ADHD to understand how to alter their thinking patterns and to manage their issues better.
Behavioural Therapy is particularly beneficial for infants and ADHD children. It helps them to develop the abilities to improve their relationships with other children as well as deal with social difficulties. It can also teach parents how to support a child's behaviour and learning at home and in school.
Lifestyle changes
This could include dietary changes like cutting out items that are high in sugar, or have artificial colours and flavors. There isn't strong evidence that eating a diet like this will help aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. It is important to seek medical advice prior to trying to alter your child's eating habits.
Medications and side effects
All medicines come with negative side effects, but the majority will disappear when your body is accustomed to the medicine. Some of the side effects can be serious and you should always speak to your doctor about them if you're concerned.
Psychoeducation is a learning program which can help adolescents, children, and adults to understand their ADHD and how they can best live with it. It can be useful for parents or carers who struggle with their own issues when dealing with a child with ADHD.