20 Things You Should Know About ADHD Medication ADHD Medication Side Effects

If your doctor prescribes ADHD medicine for your child or you, you may be afflicted by adverse effects. It can take some experimenting to find the appropriate medication and dosage for you.

The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase brain chemicals which influence attention and concentration.

Doctors can prescribe guanfacine, (trade names Tenex and Intuniv), and clonidine (Catapres) to decrease the impulsive and tics of people with ADHD. It can take up to several weeks for them to start working.

Stimulants

how to get adhd medication uk used by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These substances aid people in focusing their thoughts and pay attention. They are also effective for decreasing feelings of anxiety as well as impulsivity and aggression. They are extremely controlled, and only psychiatrists and paediatricians who have been trained in their use can prescribe them.

The most frequently used stimulants for treating ADHD include methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs have been available for a long time and boost neurotransmitters in a variety of ways. They are available in many forms including extended-release and immediate-release capsules or tablets. Some are taken orally and others are given via injection. Most people prefer the extended-release versions. They last from early morning until late evening and can help to prevent the "crash", which can occur when people stop taking short-acting stimulant medications.

Nonstimulants

They are not as effective as stimulants but can help people to control their behavior and improve their concentration. They may be prescribed by a physician for adults and teenagers who don't get enough help from stimulants, or to help boost the effects of stimulants on children. Some of these medicines are antidepressants, whereas others are blood pressure pills. They can take several weeks to start working, and they don't perform as well in isolation as stimulants do.

Behaviour therapy

Treatment options for people with ADHD usually involve a combination of behaviour therapy and medication which includes family-based therapy or individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Behaviour therapy is more effective than medication alone. Teachers and parents can discover how to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviour among children suffering from ADHD through a family-based treatment programme. Individual CBT helps people with ADHD develop new thinking patterns and manage their problems more effectively.

Behavioural Therapy is particularly beneficial for infants and ADHD children. This can help children develop abilities to build relationships with other children and cope with social challenges. It can also teach parents how to help their child's behaviour and learning at home and at school.

Lifestyle changes

This could include dietary changes for example, removing foods that are high in sugar or contain artificial colours and flavours. There is no evidence to suggest that these diets will help improve ADHD symptoms. Before making changes to your child's diet, it's important to consult a doctor.

Drug-related side effects


All medicines can trigger adverse reactions. However, the majority of them will vanish when your body is accustomed to the medication. Some of the side effects are serious and you should speak to your doctor about them if you are concerned.

Psychoeducation is a learning program that can help teens, children and adults understand their ADHD and how to best manage it. It is also beneficial parents and caregivers who struggle with their own concerns having a child or teen with ADHD.