ADHD and Medication
Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication healthcare doctors use to treat ADHD. These medicines increase levels of chemicals in your brain called dopamine and norepinephrine.
Some people may also use non-stimulant medicines, which may help improve focus and control impulses. These drugs can be prescribed by themselves or with a stimulant.
Medicines
Medications can improve attention, control impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity in about 7 out of 10 patients with ADHD. They can't solve ADHD but they are more likely to aid than other treatments. The most effective treatment is called stimulants. They increase the dopamine levels in the frontal part of the brain, which is responsible for controlling the ability to pay attention. Some people also experience a reduction in depression, anxiety or the feeling of agitation. They can also cause negative side effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets, and heartbeat changes. Patients should inform their doctor about any history of heart disease or high blood pressure glaucoma before taking them.
The most popular kind of stimulant is the methylphenidate (Ritalin, Methylin), Atomoxetine (Strattera) or amphetamines (Adderall, Dextroamphetamine). The short-acting drugs begin to work in 30-40 minutes and last up to four hours. You can take them two or three times daily. The intermediate-release and long-acting medicines start to work after about 6 hours, lasting between 8 and 12 hours or up to 16 hours. Some patients take the long-acting medicine early in the morning, then add an immediate-release medicine at school or work to cover the late afternoon until evening time when the longer-acting drug begins to lose its effectiveness.
A large-scale cohort study showed that the use of medications to treat ADHD is associated with fewer hospitalizations resulting from psychiatric or nonpsychiatric reasons and less suicide attempts.27 However, a small study showed that the use of methylphenidate or atomoxetine is associated with a greater risk of having seizures in those with epilepsy underlying.
Clonidine (Klonopin) and guanfacine (also known as Fastin can be used to treat ADHD. They can cause serious side effects, like reduced appetite, stroke, heart failure, and hallucinations. Guanfacine should not be given to young children.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a therapy for talking that tries to change the way you think and act so that you can manage your symptoms better. It can be done as a team or individually as well as family members can be a part of it too.
Side effects
ADHD medication is important however, they can also cause adverse negative effects. Talk to your doctor to confirm that the medication you are taking or those of your child are safe and effective.
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications however, every person reacts differently. Most kids and adults get some sort of side effects due to their stimulant medication however, the majority of them aren't severe and usually go away within several weeks or days as the body adjusts to the medicine. The most common adverse effects of ADHD medications are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Some adults and children also experience jitteriness, or moodiness, as a side effect of their medication. Symptoms like these are usually more frequent in the initial few days after starting the new medication or increasing the dose.
Extended-release or extended-acting medicines are more likely to help minimize these side effects because the drug is slowly absorbed in the body, and is absorbed slowly. This means that there is less chance of having an adverse reaction that causes symptoms to return after the medication wears off. Children and adults alike require a variety of ADHD medications before they find one that works.
Nonstimulants are also offered by doctors and are prescribed to help reduce symptoms as well as balance neurotransmitters. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) are two examples of nonstimulants which work for certain people. They aren't as effective as stimulants, but can be used when stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse effects.
If none of these drugs is effective for a patient, a tricyclic antidepressant drug may be prescribed. These are older drugs but they are effective at treating the symptoms of ADHD in a few people.
If a person of any age is taking medication for ADHD They will have to see the GP regularly so that they can be monitored and adjusted if needed. These medications can alter the brain's chemical system and it may take some time for them achieve a balance.
Dosage
A doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms of ADHD. These medicines can aid a person to concentrate, complete tasks, and maintain relationships. These medications will not cure ADHD and only work for as long as you are taking them. It is common for people to to test various medications and dosages before finding the one that is most effective in controlling their symptoms with the lowest amount of adverse effects.
Stimulants, which increase the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine aid in the treatment of most people with ADHD. They usually begin working within 30-60 minutes and last for about four hours. You can take up to three times per day, or as needed. They are often available in liquid and chewable forms, which makes them easier to take. The most popular stimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate (Ritalin).
There are also extended-acting and long release versions of the same medication. These drugs are slowly absorbed by the body, and wear off more gradually, which reduces the fluctuations caused by fluctuating levels of medication. They also have a lower chance of causing a rebound effect, where symptoms return--often worse than before--when the drug is gone. Many people respond better than short-acting medications to long-lasting medications.
Doctors can also prescribe medications that don't stimulate the brain or blood pressure. However, they start to slow down and have an extended effect. These medications are usually prescribed as a first-choice in cases where stimulants fail to work or cause unacceptably adverse side adverse effects. These nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine (Wellbutrin) and bupropion. Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors, but only if other treatments have failed or aren't suitable for the patient's age or health condition.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking or vitamins. Some medicines can interact with these substances and cause dangerous adverse effects. It is important to openly and clearly communicate with your doctor, and to follow up frequently to discuss how medications affect you or your child. These discussions can help you identify the dosages and medications that are the most effective for you or your child.
Schedule
If your child suffers from ADHD then you and your physician may decide that medication is a crucial component of his treatment. There are a variety of medications that can aid in controlling symptoms however they all function the same way -- by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Your doctor will prescribe you the right medication and dosage. He will also show you how to take the medication correctly and how to avoid any side negative effects.
ADHD is usually treated with stimulants for children and adults. They increase the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other hormones in the brain. They decrease the control of impulses and increase attention span. They are more effective than nonstimulants but they also carry the risk of abuse. That's why doctors typically suggest long-acting stimulant formulas that have an incredibly low chance of misuse.
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin is a popular ADHD medication. It works by preventing process of reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which increases the levels. adhd medications for adults is available in a variety of forms such as oral tablets and liquids. It is often paired with other medications for ADHD to reduce side effects and improve effectiveness.
The second most popular type of ADHD medication is dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that work by stimulating the brain to release dopamine and norepinephrine. These drugs are also available in various liquid and oral forms, along with extended-release and controlled-release pills.
The third medication to treat ADHD is Rydalin (atomoxetine). This drug works on the brain's norepinephrine and dopamine systems to lessen the effects. It doesn't have the same misuse potential as stimulants. It is often given to kids and teens as a generic version of Strattera.
A psychological counseling session could be part of the treatment of ADHD for you or your child. This type of therapy could aid both of you learn how to cope with stress. For adults it can help you understand how to manage your symptoms and improve your relationships with your family and friends. Additionally, it can help you learn to talk to co-workers and teachers about your condition and request for little adjustments that simplify your life.