What Are ADHD Drug (s) Side Effects?
Most side effects of ADD drugs are minor and are usually related to the dosage of the drug being taken. Higher doses produce more side effects. The most common side effects are decreased appetite, insomnia, increased anxiety, and/or irritability. Some children report mild stomach aches or headaches. Appetite seems to fluctuate, usually being low during the middle of the day and more normal by suppertime.Adequate amounts of food that is nutritional should be available for the adhd child, especially at peak appetite times. If the adhd child has difficulty falling asleep, several options may be tried—a lower dosage of the stimulant, giving the stimulant earlier in the day, discontinuing the afternoon or evening dosage, or giving an adjunct add medication such as a low-dosage antidepressant or clonidine. ADD Medication - ADHD Drug A few children develop tics during treatment. These can often be lessened by changing the medication - ADHD drug - dosage. A very few children cannot tolerate any stimulant, no matter how low the dosage.
In such cases, the child is often given an antidepressant instead of the ADHD drug. When a child's schoolwork and behavior improve soon after starting medication, the adhd child, parents, and teachers tend to applaud the drug for causing the sudden changes.
Unfortunately, when people see such immediate improvement, they often think a drug is all that's needed.
But medications don't cure ADHD; they only control the symptoms on the day they are taken. Although the drugs help the child pay better attention and complete school work, they can't increase knowledge or improve academic skills. The medications help the child to use those skills he or she already possesses. Behavioral therapy, emotional counseling, and practical support will help the ADHD child cope with everyday problems and feel better about themselves.
Facts to Remember About drugs. ADD drugs help many children focus and be more successful at school, home, and play. Avoiding negative experiences now may actually help prevent addictions and other emotional problems later. About 80 percent of children who need ADHD drug (s) still need it as teenagers.
Over 50 percent need ADHD drug (s) as adults. A drug for the Child with Both ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Since a child with bipolar disorder will probably be prescribed a mood stabilizer such as lithium or Depakote®, the doctor will carefully consider whether the child should take one of the ADHD drug (s) usually prescribed for ADHD.
Be sure to consult with a licensed physician or clinical therapist before using any type of ADD/ADHD drug
