adhd medication side effects - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those with ADHD to concentrate better, feel more relaxed and be less impulsive. It's usually a mix between medicine and therapy.
Stimulants stimulate the areas of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is one of the most common medicines used for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications which increase brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. They are often prescribed in combination with cognitive treatment for behavioural disorders (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This aids in concentration and lessens the impact of certain impulses such as those that lead to impulse-driven behavior. Children and adults can tolerate stimulants well, however there are some who may experience side effects such as jitteriness or headaches.
There are many stimulant medicines that include methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and atomoxetine. The results of the largest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine is a drug also approved for use in the UK has a distinct advantage over amphetamines that have a shorter acting duration because it is less likely to become stale during the day and requires only one dose per day. In the past, patients required short-acting stimulants up to four times a day, but this can be difficult for those who fail to take their medication, and could cause a lack of compliance.
A thorough medical history is essential to help determine whether a person with ADHD has any other conditions which could be contributing to their symptoms. For adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication as sleep apnea or thyroid disorders might cause your child to be exhausted or have difficulty concentrating. It is also important to mention any issues with substance abuse to your doctor, because the excessive use of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs can affect your child's ability to focus.
Medical professionals recommend that children be treated for ADHD in order to improve their academic performance and to help them develop into happy, healthy adulthood. However the decision to treat children with ADHD is not taken lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and complicated procedure. A lot of children experience side-effects, such as irritability and insomnia however, these can be cured by careful monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents opt to seek out private treatment for their child, which involves an ongoing series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to get started on medication and track their progress. This could include up to five sessions, then fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child becomes familiar with the medication. This is an excellent option for families who are finding the NHS waiting lists to be lengthy and for whom private healthcare can provide a more efficient and convenient access to care. A detailed report of your child's development will be provided to your GP, who can then perform the monitoring of the medication that has been prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some instances, you may need to return to the NHS to continue this process so that your GP can perform regular checks and reviews.
