ADHD Medication Side Effects
If your doctor prescribes ADHD medication, you or your child may experience adverse effects. It can take some experimenting to find the right medicine and dosage for you.
dealing with adhd without medication used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost brain chemicals that affect concentration and attention.
Doctors can also prescribe guanfacine (trade names Tenex and Intuniv), and clonidine (Catapres) to help reduce behavior that is impulsive or tics in those suffering from ADHD. It can take several weeks to take effect.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication doctors use to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine, which aid people in paying attention and concentrate their thoughts. These medicines are also effective in reducing restlessness, impulsivity and aggression. Stimulants are highly controlled, and only psychiatrists and paediatricians who have been trained in their use are able to prescribe them.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are two the most common stimulants used to treat ADHD. These drugs have been around for decades and work in various ways to increase neurotransmitters that control mood and motivation as well as thinking abilities. They are available in many forms such as extended-release and immediate-release tablets or capsules. Some are administered orally, while some are administered by injection. Most people take the extended-release versions of these medications, which last from morning to evening and aid in avoiding the "crash" that often happens after they have stopped taking an inactive stimulant medication that is short-acting.
Non-stimulants
These medicines are not as effective as stimulants, but can aid people to control their behavior and focus better. These medicines are usually prescribed by a doctor for teens and adults who do not get enough stimulation from stimulants, or to enhance the effects of stimulants on children. Some of these medications are antidepressants, whereas others are blood pressure pills. They can take several weeks to begin working, and they don't perform as effectively on their own like stimulants do.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients usually include a combination medication and behavior therapy that includes individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behaviour therapy is typically more effective than medications alone. For example a therapy program that is family-oriented includes teachers and parents who teach them how to promote positive behaviour and dissuade negative behaviour in children with ADHD. Individual CBT assists people who have ADHD to learn how to alter their thinking patterns, and to manage their issues better.
Behavioural Therapy can be particularly helpful for young ADHD children. This can help children develop abilities to build relationships with other children and deal with social difficulties. It can also teach parents how to help their child's behavior and learning at home and in school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make dietary changes, such as cutting out foods that are that are high in sugar as well as artificial colours or flavors. There is no evidence that these diets aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. Before changing your child's diet, it's important to consult a doctor.
Drugs and side effects
All medicines come with adverse effects, but they tend to will disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine. Certain side effects from these medications can be very serious, and you should always consult your physician should you have any concerns.
Psychoeducation is a program of education which can help teens, children and adults comprehend their ADHD and how to best manage it. It can also be beneficial for parents and carers who struggle with their own issues about having a teenager or child with ADHD.
