ADHD Medication Side Effects
Your child or you may suffer from side effects if a doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It may take some time to find the right dose and the right medication for you.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase brain chemicals that affect attention and concentration.
Doctors may also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and Clonidine (Catapres) to help reduce anxiety and impulsive behavior among people suffering from ADHD. It can take several weeks to effect.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular kind of medication that doctors employ to treat ADHD. These medications increase levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals assist people to focus their minds and pay attention. These medications also work in reducing impulsivity, restlessness and aggression. The use of stimulants is strictly controlled and only paediatricians who are trained and psychiatrists can prescribe them.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are among the most popular stimulants used to treat ADHD. These drugs have been around for a long time and boost neurotransmitters in different ways. They are available in different forms including immediate release and extended-release capsules or tablets. Some are taken orally and others are administered via injection. The majority of people opt for extended-release versions. They last from morning until night and help avoid the "crash" that can occur when people quit taking short-acting stimulants.
Nonstimulants
These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but can aid people to control their behavior and improve their concentration. They may be prescribed by a physician for adults and teenagers who don't receive enough assistance from stimulants, or to enhance the effects of stimulants on children. Certain of these drugs are antidepressants, while others are blood pressure pills. They may take a couple of weeks to start working, and they don't work as well on their own as stimulants do.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients often comprise a combination of therapy and medication that includes individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behavioural therapy is more efficient than medication alone. Teachers and parents can discover how to promote positive behavior and reduce negative behaviour among children with ADHD through an approach to treatment that is based on family. Individual CBT can help people with ADHD learn to change their thinking patterns and manage their issues more effectively.
best adhd medication for adults with anxiety can be particularly helpful for infants and ADHD children. It can help children develop skills to improve relationships with other children and deal with social difficulties. It can also help parents understand how to support a child's behavior and learning at home and in school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make changes to your diet for example, avoiding foods high in sugar and artificial colours or flavours. However, there isn't any strong evidence that diets that are like this improve ADHD symptoms. It is important to seek medical advice before trying to modify your child's eating habits.
Medications and adverse effects
Every medicine can cause side effects. However, the majority of them will vanish after your body has adjusted to the medication. Certain side effects of these drugs are very dangerous and you should talk to your doctor should you have any concerns.
Psychoeducation is a program that helps children, teens and adults to better understand ADHD and how to live with it. It can also be helpful parents and caregivers who struggle with their own concerns about having a child or teen with ADHD.