ADHD Medication Side Effects
If your doctor prescribes ADHD medication and your child is prescribed it, you might experience side effects. It may take a long time to find the right dosage and medicine for you.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost brain chemicals that influence attention and concentration.
Doctors also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and Clonidine (Catapres) to reduce the impulsive and tics of people with ADHD. It can take several weeks to work.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used type of medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD. These medications increase the levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine which aid people in paying attention and focus their minds. These medicines are also effective in reducing impulsivity, restlessness and aggression. They are extremely controlled, and only psychiatrists and pediatricians trained in their use are able to prescribe them.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are two the most popular stimulants used to treat ADHD. These medications have been in use for a long time and boost neurotransmitters in various ways. They are available in many forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets or capsules. Some are taken orally, and some are administered by injection. The majority of people opt for extended-release versions of these medications. They are available from the morning until night and aid in avoiding the "crash" that can occur when people quit taking short-acting stimulants.
Nonstimulants
These medications are less effective than stimulants, but can aid people manage their behavior and focus better. They may be prescribed by a doctor to teens and adults who don't get enough support from stimulants, or to increase the effects of stimulants in children. dealing with adhd without medication of these drugs are antidepressants, while others are blood pressure medications. They can take up to several weeks before they begin working, and they don't work like stimulants.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients usually consist of a combination of medication and behavior therapy that includes individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behavioural therapy is more effective than medication alone. Teachers and parents can learn how to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviour among children suffering from ADHD through a treatment program for families. Individual CBT helps those with ADHD to learn how to change their thinking patterns and better manage their issues.
Behavioural therapy can be particularly beneficial for children who are young and have ADHD. This helps them to develop the skills to improve their interactions with other children and cope with social difficulties. It also teaches parents how to support a child's behaviour and learning at home as well as at school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make dietary changes, such as abstaining from foods that are high in sugar and artificial colours or flavours. There isn't convincing evidence that eating a diet like this will help improve ADHD symptoms. Before modifying your child's diet, you are important to consult a doctor.
Drugs and adverse effects
All medicines have some adverse effects, but they tend to go away once your body adjusts to the medicine. Some of the side effects are severe and you should consult your doctor about them if you are concerned.
Psychoeducation is an educational program which can help adolescents, children, and adults to understand their ADHD and how to best manage it. It can also be beneficial for parents and carers who are struggling to deal with their own concerns having a child or teen with ADHD.