ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a big difference for the majority of children. It's not for all children. Parents must consider the pros and cons.
Stimulants are among the most popular drugs prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. They can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity, fidgeting and interrupting and other symptoms. However, they can also trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness headaches, stomachaches and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost the activity of the peripheral and central nervous systems. They enhance the transmission of signals to the brain which allows people to focus better and increase their ability to learn. They also increase productivity, alertness, and the level of arousal, and also reduce appetite. They can also cause side effects such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. The use of stimulants can treat a variety of conditions but they are often prescribed for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD can suffer from problems at school, work and in their relationships. They tend to be impulsive and have trouble planning ahead. Their mood can also influence their behaviour, such as when they are angry or frustrated.
The use of medication can help improve the capacity of people suffering from ADHD to plan, manage and complete tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. add adhd medications 's not a cure and many sufferers continue to experience symptoms even when taking medication. Some people have underlying issues, like depression, anxiety or substance abuse which can cause symptoms. These issues could require additional treatments to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
The drugs used to treat ADHD may have different names, but they all contain the same active ingredient, methylphenidate. Methylphenidate has a rapid effect because it is released into the system in a short time. It also has an immediate effect on mood. It is sometimes called Ritalin but the same medicine is also available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer time and can exert an effect for up to four hours.
Due to the possibility of misuse, stimulants are strictly controlled and only prescribed by a paediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrists (and sometimes GPs in exceptional situations). They are only prescribed as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
There is evidence to suggest that physical exercise can ease the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. It is also important to get enough rest. Encourage your child or yourself to to sleep at a reasonable time and to stick to the same routine, particularly during meal times. Avoiding caffeinated drinks can also help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines activate receptors in the brain, increasing the activity of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine. These are involved in cognitive function such as movement, motivation and. They are utilized to treat a wide range of conditions, but they are now mostly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, as well as obesity. Also, they are abused recreationally to enhance performance in athletics and feel euphoric.
These drugs are available in various forms, ranging from one capsule to extended-release tablets. The dosage is adapted according to the patient's age, weight as well as medical history and the effects of the medication. Both adults and children can take these drugs. They are often used in conjunction with other medications to minimize side effects or help people to get through the day.
Stimulants are often the initial method of treatment for ADHD and generally work for the majority of patients. It can take time to find the right dose since every person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will observe the body reactions of you or your child until they find the right dose. They will continue to monitor it over time to ensure that it is effective.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavior therapy and medication is the best method to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists, however, claim that stimulants can cause severe side effects like addiction and cardiovascular issues and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. Some have also reported symptoms such as tics or Tourette syndrome while taking stimulants.
A new study known as a "network meta-analysis" looked at all available evidence on the effectiveness and safety for ADHD in adults who take various drugs, from methylphenidate, to dextroamphetamine and Atomoxetine. This allowed researchers to examine the results of individual studies, even if they hadn't been directly tested against each other. Meta-analyses of the past have focused on specific groups of patients or a single drug.
The study showed that lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were more effective than other medications in reducing ADHD symptoms. The study suggested that these two drugs be first tried and then switched to the standard dexamfetamine if they don't work. The other two medications to consider are atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Some ADHD medication side effects can resemble the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Consult your physician if you notice signs of anxiety or depression in your child or adult who is taking ADHD medication. You might be required to add a different medication to your treatment plan or modify the medication.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't often prescribed on their own for depression however they can be beneficial to people with an underlying depression and ADHD. They can reduce symptoms of depression like fatigue and difficulty concentration, and also help manage ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants are not normally used to treat ADHD however, they may be helpful if stimulants don't work or cause unacceptable adverse side effects. The most popular antidepressant medicines are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) however tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline and imipramine are sometimes used to treat ADHD. The Atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, wellbutrin) is also used for ADHD in adults and has been proven to improve impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available. They have a lower risk of abuse, but can cause agitation and insomnia in some people. They can also have other adverse effects, like stomach upsets and headaches. These medications can be prescribed in long-acting formulations or extended-release forms that last between six and 16 hours. This can reduce the fluctuations of levels of the drug within the body. Many people take a dose in the morning of an extended-release, long-acting medication, and then consume an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon to cover times when the initial medication starts to fade.
Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and learn new coping strategies. BetterHelp is a service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in ADHD, depression and anxiety. It takes just one minute to take a test, and you'll be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant drugs are frequently used to manage ADHD symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine also known as Strattera and viloxazine, which is known as Qelbree. They belong to the class of antidepressants and function, in theory by increasing levels of a chemical called norepinephrine. This aids the brain's nerves transmit messages to each other, which improves concentration and reduces the impulsiveness. They are less likely to suffer side effects like anxiety or insomnia as compared to stimulant medication.
The stimulant drugs can cause undesirable side effects, such as an upset stomach and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also make the tics (spontaneous repeated movements or vocal sounds) more apparent and irritating. Some children may also have growth and weight loss when they are taking stimulant drugs. These effects are usually temporary, and the doctor will prescribe the dosage that is suitable for you or your child.
There will be no significant improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you have been on the medication for a minimum of three to four weeks. The doctor will be monitoring the progress of your child or you closely and adjust the dose as needed. The medication alone will not solve the issue, so it's essential to speak with your child's health professional about a behavioral therapy program as well.
Methylphenidate is the most popular drug used to treat ADHD however there are other types of stimulant medicine. Short-acting methylphenidate medications such as Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system. They have to be taken multiple times a day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines like Evekeo and Ritalin SR, release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available as liquids, tablets that can either be swallowed or crushed, and tablets that quickly dissolve (Evekeo ODt) that dissolve instantly in the mouth. The two methylphenidate types, while similar to amphetamines are generally considered to be safer than amphetamines in young people. They are also less likely to cause heart issues and addiction. Amphetamines can last up to sixteen hours and are stronger than methylphenidate. However they are more likely to cause heart issues.