ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you could experience side effects if your doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It may take some time to find the right dose and medication for you.
Stimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. They boost brain chemicals that influence attention and concentration.
Doctors can also prescribe guanfacine, (trade names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine, (Catapres) to help reduce the impulsive and tics of people with ADHD. They can take several weeks to work.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medicines increase levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine, which assist people to focus their minds and pay attention. They are also effective for decreasing feelings of anxiety or impulsivity as well as aggression. They are extremely controlled, and only psychiatrists and paediatricians trained in their use can prescribe them.
Some of the most commonly used stimulants treating ADHD include amphetamines and methylphenidates. These medications have been in use for a long time and boost neurotransmitters in different ways. They are available in many forms including extended-release and immediate-release tablets or capsules. Some are taken orally while others are administered by injection. Most people take the extended-release versions of these drugs that last from morning until evening, and aid in avoiding the "crash" that is often experienced when they stop taking an inactive stimulant medication that is short-acting.
Nonstimulants
They are not as effective as stimulants, but they can assist people to control their behavior and focus better. These medicines are usually prescribed by a doctor for teenagers and adults who do not receive enough stimulation from stimulants or to boost the effects of stimulants on children. managing adhd without medication I Am Psychiatry of these medications are antidepressants and some are a type of blood pressure drug. They can take several weeks before they begin to work, and they don't perform as well on their own as stimulants do.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients often include a combination therapy and medication like individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behavioural therapy is more efficient than medication alone. For instance the family-based therapy program involves parents and teachers teaching them how to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviour among children suffering from ADHD. Individual CBT can help people with ADHD learn to change their thinking patterns and manage their problems more effectively.
Behavioural therapy is particularly useful for children in the early years of ADHD. This can help children build skills to improve relationships with other children and cope with social challenges. It can also help parents understand how to help their child's behaviour and learning at home as well as at school.
Lifestyle changes
It is possible to make changes to your diet, such as cutting out foods that are high in sugar and artificial colours or flavours. However, there isn't any conclusive evidence that suggests diets that are like this enhance ADHD symptoms. It is essential to seek medical advice prior to trying to alter your child's eating habits.
Side effects of medications
Every medicine has some side effects, but most disappear when your body is accustomed to the medication. Some of the side effects can be serious and you should always speak to your doctor regarding them if concerned.
Psychoeducation is a program of education which can help teens, children and adults comprehend their ADHD and how they can most effectively live with it. It can be useful for parents and carers who struggle with their own issues when dealing with children with ADHD.
