ADHD Medication Side Effects
If your doctor prescribes ADHD medication and your child is prescribed it, you might experience adverse effects. It may take a long time to find the right dosage and medicine for you.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase brain chemicals which affect concentration and attention.
Doctors may also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and Clonidine (Catapres) to help reduce the impulsive and tics of people suffering from ADHD. It can take up to several weeks before they begin working.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular kind of medication that doctors use to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine, which help people focus their thoughts and pay attention. They are also effective for decreasing feelings of anxiety as well as impulsivity and aggression. The stimulants are controlled and only psychiatrists and paediatricians who have been trained in their use are able to prescribe them.
Some of the most commonly used stimulants for treating ADHD include methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs have been around for a long time and function in a variety of ways to boost neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation as well as thinking abilities. They are available in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets or capsules. Some are taken orally and others are given via injection. The majority of people use extended-release versions of these medications which last from the morning to evening and assist in avoiding the "crash" that is often experienced when they stop taking a short-acting stimulant medication.
Non-stimulants
These medications are not as effective as stimulants but can help people to control their behavior and focus better. These medicines may be prescribed by doctors for adults and teens who don't get enough stimulation from stimulants or to boost the effects of stimulants on children. Some of these medicines are antidepressants, while others are blood pressure medications. They can take several weeks before they begin working, and don't perform as effectively as stimulants.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients usually include a combination therapy and medication that includes individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behaviour therapy is typically more effective than medications alone. For instance the family-based therapy program includes teachers and parents teaching how to encourage positive behaviour and dissuade negative behaviour in children with ADHD. Individual CBT can help people with ADHD learn to alter their thinking patterns and manage their issues more effectively.
Behavioural Therapy is especially useful for infants and ADHD children. This will help them develop the abilities to improve their relationships with other children and deal with social difficulties. It can also teach parents how to help their child's behavior and education at home and at school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make dietary changes by cutting out foods that are that are high in sugar as well as artificial colours or flavours. However, there is no strong evidence that diets like this can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. Before modifying your child's diet, it's important to consult a doctor.
Medications and adverse effects
All medicines have some adverse effects, but they tend to disappear after your body has adjusted to the medication. Certain side effects of these medications can be very serious and you should talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Psychoeducation is a program that assists children, teens and adults better understand ADHD and how to live with it. adhd medication names can also be helpful parents and caregivers who are struggling to deal with their own concerns about having a teenager or child with ADHD.