How ADHD Medication Has Changed The History Of ADHD Medication
ADHD Medication Side Effects
If your doctor prescribes ADHD medicine and your child is prescribed it, you may have side effects. It may take a long time to find the right dosage and medicine for you.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase brain chemicals which affect concentration and attention.
Doctors also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) and Clonidine (Catapres) to help reduce the impulsive and tics of people with ADHD. It can take up to several weeks for them to begin working.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication healthcare providers employ to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine, which assist people to pay attention and focus their thoughts. They also help in reducing feelings of restlessness or impulsivity as well as aggression. Stimulants are highly regulated, so only trained paediatricians and psychiatrists can prescribe them.
The most commonly used stimulants for treating ADHD include methylphenidates and amphetamines. These medications have been in use for decades and work in different ways to increase neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation as well as thinking abilities. These drugs are available in a variety of forms that include immediate release and extended-release tablets or capsules. Some are administered orally, while others are administered via injection. The majority of people choose the extended-release forms of these medications that last from morning until evening and can assist in avoiding the "crash" that is often experienced when they stop taking an inactive stimulant medication that is short-acting.
Non-stimulants
These medicines are less effective than stimulants, but they can assist people manage their behavior and concentrate better. They may 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 on children. Some of these medicines are antidepressants, while others are blood pressure medications. They can take up to several weeks before they start working and don't work quite as well as stimulants.
Behaviour therapy
Treatment options for those suffering from ADHD often involve a combination of medication and behaviour therapy like family-based therapy or individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Behavioural therapy is more efficient than medication alone. For example the family-based therapy program includes teachers and parents teaching how to encourage positive behaviour and discourage negative behaviours in children with ADHD. Individual CBT can help those with ADHD to understand how to change their thinking patterns, and manage their problems better.
types of adhd medication can be particularly helpful for young ADHD children. This will help them develop the skills to improve their relationship with other children and deal with social difficulties. It can teach parents how to help their child's behavior and education at home and in school.
Lifestyle changes
You can make dietary changes for example, avoiding foods high in sugar and artificial colours or flavours. There is no evidence to suggest that these diets will aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to seek medical advice before trying to alter your child's eating habits.
Drugs and adverse effects
Every medicine has some negative side effects, but the majority go away once your body adjusts to the medicine. Some side effects of these drugs are very dangerous and you should consult your physician should you have any concerns.
Psychoeducation is a learning program that can help teens, children and adults understand their ADHD and how to most effectively live with it. It can be useful for parents or carers who are struggling with their own issues when dealing with a child who has ADHD.