ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you may be impacted by side effects if your doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It may take some time to find the right dosage and the right medication for you.
how does medication for adhd work used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost brain chemicals, which affect concentration and attention.
Doctors may also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and clonidine (Catapres) to help decrease anxiety and impulsive behavior among people with ADHD. It can take up to several weeks for them to begin working.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication doctors employ to treat ADHD. These medicines increase levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals aid people in focusing their thoughts and pay attention. These medications are also effective in reducing restlessness, impulsivity and aggression. They are strictly controlled and only certified paediatricians and psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe them.
The most commonly used stimulants treating ADHD include methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs have been around for decades and work in different ways to increase neurotransmitters that control 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 while others are administered by injection. Most people take the extended-release versions of these medications, which last from morning to evening and assist in avoiding the "crash" that can occur when they stop taking an a stimulant that has a short-acting effect.
Non-stimulants
These medications have less effect than stimulants, however they can help people focus and manage their behavior. They can be prescribed by a doctor to teenagers and adults who do not get enough help from stimulants, or to help boost the effects of stimulants in children. Some of these medications are antidepressants, while others are blood pressure drugs. They can take several weeks to start working, and they don't perform as effectively on their own as stimulants do.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients usually consist of a combination of therapy and medication like individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behavioural therapy is more effective than medication alone. Parents and teachers can learn how to encourage positive behaviour and reduce negative behaviour among children with ADHD through an approach to treatment that is based on family. Individual CBT assists those with ADHD to learn to alter their thinking patterns, and manage their problems better.
Behavioural therapy is particularly useful for children who are young and have ADHD. It can help children develop abilities to build relationships with other children and deal with social difficulties. It can also help parents understand how to support a child's behaviour and learning at home and in school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make dietary changes by abstaining from foods that are that are high in sugar or artificial colours or flavours. There isn't conclusive evidence that suggests eating a diet like this will help enhance ADHD symptoms. Before making changes to your child's diet, you are important to consult a doctor.
Side effects of medications
All medicines can trigger adverse reactions. However, the majority of them will disappear when your body is accustomed to the medicine. Some of the side effects can be serious and you should always speak to your doctor about them if you're concerned.
Psychoeducation is a program of education that can help teens, children and adults comprehend their ADHD and how they can best live with it. It can also be helpful for parents and carers who struggle with their own issues about having a teenager or child with ADHD.