Medications and Therapy For ADHD
A combination of medication and therapy can help manage ADHD symptoms. Medicines treat the brain and therapy helps people develop strategies and cope.
Stimulants, like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, increase levels of two chemicals in the brain, which transmit messages between cells. This improves attention and impulse control. The stimulants can have side effects, such as insomnia, a weight loss, and increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Stimulants
Medications called stimulants are often the first treatment to be tried for ADHD. They increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which help the brain function normally. These medications improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also improve interpersonal relationships, and help people complete tasks and get organized. But the effects don't last for long, and they can have serious negative side effects. These medications can trigger changes in the personality of some individuals, especially those with a history of bipolar disorder or depression. They might become more withdrawn or rigid more withdrawn, less sociable and spontaneous, or develop symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with heart conditions are at a higher risk of these adverse effects and should be monitored by a physician when taking stimulants.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. Those that peak after several hours should be taken every day for a minimum of 3 times, whereas long-acting or extended release drugs last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken just once daily. Both kinds are prone to adverse effects on growth, appetite, and sleep, so it's important to talk with your doctor about how the medication may affect your child or you prior to beginning it.
It can take some time to find the right dosage and medication for a person who suffers from ADHD, so be patient. adhd medications will test a variety of medications in small doses, to determine which one is able to control the symptoms the most effectively and has the smallest amount of adverse effects. They may need to adjust the dosage dependent on how your child or you responds.
The negative effects of ADHD medication can be a serious or bothersome, but they usually disappear after a few weeks or days after your body has become familiar with the medication. Side effects of ADHD medicine include stomach upset, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure heart rate and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulants may experience a reduction in growth or a slight delay in their height at the end of the day.
If you stop taking the medication and experience symptoms, they could be recurred. It is important to discuss with your doctor whether it's best for you or your child to continue. It is also important to check with your doctor to confirm that the medication is working as intended and that there are no adverse negative effects or issues.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications require longer time to work, but can improve attention as well as reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They do not have the same potential for addiction or abuse as stimulants, however they do increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, so there is a possibility of misuse or dependency.
Some states have laws that require doctors to monitor patients who are taking certain medication. This includes ADHD medications. These laws require doctors to meet you or your child regularly in person, or via phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective, and to evaluate the patient's progress. In addition, to monitoring the effectiveness of your or your child's ADHD medication, they may also check for other indicators and signs of problems such as depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts.