A Time-Travelling Journey What People Talked About ADHD Medication 20 Years Ago
ADHD Medication Side Effects
You or your child could experience side effects if your doctor prescribes ADHD medication. It may take some trial and error to find the appropriate medication and dose for you.
Stimulants are among the most popular drugs used to treat ADHD.
adhd medication adults uk boost brain chemicals, which influence attention and concentration.
Doctors also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and Clonidine (Catapres) to help decrease anxiety and impulsive behavior among those suffering from ADHD. They can take a few weeks to effect.
Stimulants
The most common medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs boost the brain chemicals like 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 regulated and only paediatricians who are trained and psychiatrists can prescribe them.
Some of the most commonly used stimulants treating ADHD include methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs have been used for a long time and function in various ways to increase neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation as well as thinking skills. These drugs are available in different forms that include immediate release and extended-release tablets or capsules. Some are taken orally and others are given via injection. The majority of people opt for extended-release versions. They last from morning until night and aid in avoiding the "crash" that can occur when people stop taking short-acting stimulant medications.
Nonstimulants
They are less effective than stimulants but can help people control their behavior and focus better. They can be prescribed by a doctor to teenagers and adults who do not get enough help from stimulants, or to increase the effects of stimulants on children. Certain of these medications are a kind of antidepressant while others are a blood pressure medicine. They can take several weeks before they begin to work, and they don't work as well on their own like stimulants do.
Behavioural therapy
Treatment options for ADHD patients often consist of a combination of treatment with a behavioral therapist like individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy. Behaviour therapy is generally more effective than medication alone. Teachers and parents can discover how to encourage positive behaviour and deter negative behaviour in children suffering from ADHD through a treatment program for families. Individual CBT assists people who have ADHD to understand 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 can help children build skills to improve their relationships with other children and cope with social difficulties. It can also help parents understand how to support a child's behaviour and learning at home and at school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make dietary changes for example, avoiding foods high in sugar and artificial colours or flavours. However, there is no conclusive evidence that suggests diets like this can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. Before changing your child's diet, it's essential to talk with a doctor.
Drug-related side effects
All medicines can cause adverse reactions. However, most of them will disappear once your body has adapted to the medication. Some of the side effects can be serious and you should always consult your physician about them if you're concerned.
Psychoeducation is a program of education that helps teens, children and adults comprehend their ADHD and how they can best manage it. It can also be helpful parents and caregivers who struggle with their own concerns having a child or teenager with ADHD.
