ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you may experience side effects if your doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It may take some trial and error to find the appropriate medication 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 also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine (Catapres) to reduce anxiety and impulsive behavior among people with ADHD. It could take several weeks for them to start working.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD. They increase brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine that assist people to pay attention and focus their thoughts. They also help in decreasing feelings of anxiety or impulsivity as well as aggression. The stimulants are controlled and only psychiatrists and paediatricians trained in their use can prescribe them.
The most commonly used stimulants for treating ADHD include methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs have been around for decades and work in a variety of ways to boost neurotransmitters that regulate mood, motivation, and thinking abilities. They are available in a variety of forms that include immediate release capsules and extended-release tablets or capsules. Some are taken orally, and others are administered via injection. Most people use the extended-release versions of these drugs. They are available from the morning until evening and help to prevent the "crash", which can occur when people stop taking short-acting stimulant medications.
Non-stimulants
These medicines have less effect than stimulants, but they can enhance the ability of people to concentrate and manage their behavior. They can be prescribed by a doctor for adults and teenagers who don't receive enough assistance from stimulants, or to help enhance the effects of stimulants on children. Some of these medicines are antidepressants while others are blood pressure medications. They may take several weeks before they start working and don't work quite as effectively as stimulants.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients usually include a combination therapy and medication like individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behavioural therapy is more effective than medication alone. For example, a family-based therapy programme includes teachers and parents teaching them how to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviours in children with ADHD. Individual CBT can help people with ADHD learn to alter their thinking patterns and manage their problems more effectively.
Behavioural therapy is particularly useful for children who are young and have ADHD. This helps them to develop the skills to improve their interactions with other children and cope with social difficulties. It can help parents learn how to support their child's behaviour and learning at home and in school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make dietary changes for example, abstaining from foods that are high in sugar and artificial colours or flavours. There isn't strong evidence that diets like this can enhance ADHD symptoms. Before making changes to your child's diet, it is essential to talk with a doctor.
Drug-related side effects
All medicines can cause adverse effects. However, does adhd medication work of them will go away after your body has adjusted to the medication. Certain side effects of these drugs can be extremely serious and you should consult your physician if you have concerns.
Psychoeducation is a program that helps children, teens and adults to better understand ADHD and how to live with it. It is also beneficial parents and caregivers who are struggling with their own issues about having a child or teenager with ADHD.