ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a big difference for the majority children. It's not for everyone. Parents should carefully consider the pros and cons.
The most common medication prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They can reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity, fidgeting and other signs. They can also cause side-effects like jitteriness and headaches.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They enhance the transmission of brain signals which helps people concentrate more effectively and enhances their ability to learn. They also improve productivity, alertness, and the level of arousal, as well as reduce appetite. They can also cause negative side effects like an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. Stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD but they can also be used for a variety circumstances. People who suffer from ADHD are often faced with difficulties at school, at work and in their relationships. They are often overly emotional and have difficulty making plans. Their mood can influence their behavior, for instance when they are angry or irritable.
The use of medication can help improve the ability of people with ADHD to plan, complete tasks and control impulsive behaviors. However, it's not an effective treatment for the condition, and many sufferers find that their symptoms persist even when they are taking medication. Certain people also have other issues that contribute to their symptoms, including depression, anxiety, or drug addiction. These issues may require treatment using other therapies before the symptoms of ADHD are able to be eliminated.
The medications used to treat ADHD can have various names, but they all have the same active ingredient: the methylphenidate. Methylphenidate has a rapid effect because it is released into the system in a short amount of time. It also has an immediate impact on mood. It is also known as Ritalin. However it is possible to be purchased under the brand name Ritalin LA. This medication is released over a longer period of time and may last for a long time.
Due to the possibility of misuse of stimulants, they are strictly controlled and can only by prescribed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician (and sometimes GPs in special circumstances). 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 increasing levels of natural brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Getting enough sleep is also crucial. Encourage your child or adult to go to bed at a regular time and stick to a regular routine, especially during meals. Avoiding drinks that contain caffeine could help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines activate receptors in the brain, increasing the activity of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These are associated with the functioning of the brain motivation, movement and. They were prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, but are now prescribed mainly for ADHD as well as obesity and Narcolepsy. They are also abused for recreational purposes to boost athletic performance and for feelings of euphoria and energy.
They come in a variety of forms, ranging from tablets to extended-release capsules. The dosage is adapted according to the patient's weight, age, medical history, and the effects of the medication. They are available for both children and adults. Combining them with other medications can lessen the effects of side effects and help patients get through their day.
Stimulants are usually the first treatment for ADHD and are usually effective. It may take some time to determine the right dose because every person reacts differently to medications. Your doctor will monitor the body reactions of your child or you until they can determine the correct dosage. They will continue to monitor it for a period of time to ensure it is effective.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavior therapy and medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD. However, some psychiatrists argue that stimulants are a prescription drug that is not enough and could cause serious side effects, like cardiovascular issues addiction, psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular problems such as bipolar disorder. Some have also reported tics or Tourette syndrome while taking stimulants.
A new study known as an "network meta-analysis" reviewed all the available evidence of the efficacy and safety of ADHD in adults using a variety of drugs, from methylphenidate, to dextroamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Researchers were able to compare the results from individual trials even when they were not directly compared against one another. Previous meta-analyses have only focused on certain groups of patients or just one drug.
The study found that all the drugs tested were effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, but lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were superior to other drugs. The study recommended that these two drugs be first tried and then switch to dexamfetamine standard if they aren't working. Other medications to consider are atomoxetine or guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have co-existing anxiety or depression and some ADHD medication side effects can look like the symptoms of other mental health disorders. If your child or adult is taking ADHD medication, and you are also noticing symptoms of anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor immediately. It may be necessary to modify the dosage or add a different medication to your treatment plan.
They aren't usually prescribed for only depression however they can be beneficial for people who have both depression and ADHD. They help to reduce depression symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty working while reducing ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Antidepressants do not usually treat ADHD. However, they can be helpful if stimulants fail to work or cause undesirable adverse effects. The most common antidepressants are SSRIs, or selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. However tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline or imipramine are occasionally prescribed to treat ADHD. The atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is also sometimes used for ADHD in adults. It has been proven to improve impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available. managing adhd without medication have a lower chance of abuse however, they can cause insomnia and agitation in certain people. They can also have other negative effects, including stomach upset and headaches. Doctors can prescribe long-acting extended-release versions of these medications, which last from six to 16 hours, and can slow the fluctuation of drug levels within the body. Many people take a dose in the morning of a long-acting, extended-release medication, and then consume an immediate-release dose in the mid-to-late afternoon to cover times when the initial medication starts to fade.
Therapy can complement medications for ADHD by teaching people new coping skills and helping them break bad habits. BetterHelp is a service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists that specialize in ADHD depression, anxiety and ADHD. You can take the assessment in just one minute and be matched to a therapist within 48 hours.
Other medicines
Many people suffering from ADHD use non-stimulant medications to treat their symptoms. These medicines include atomoxetine, also known as Strattera and viloxazine, which is known as Qelbree. They are in the family of antidepressants and work, in theory, by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a chemical. This helps nerves in the brain pass messages to each other which improves concentration and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They are also less likely to trigger adverse effects like insomnia or appetite suppression as stimulant medications.
Stimulant medications can cause unpleasant side effects such as stomach upset, changes in heartbeat or blood pressure. They can also cause tics (spontaneous repetitive vocal or aural sounds) more noticeable and annoying. Some children can also have weight loss and growth delays when they are taking stimulant drugs. These effects last for a short time and your doctor will recommend the appropriate dosage for your child or yourself.
Your child will need to be on medication for 3 to 4 weeks before you can see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will monitor your or your child's progress closely and adjust the dose when necessary. The issue can't be resolved through medication alone, so you should also discuss behavioral therapy with your child's physician.
Methylphenidate is the most common drug used to treat ADHD however, there are different types of stimulant medicine. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medications release the medication quickly into your system. They should be taken several times a day. Long-acting methylphenidates like Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available as liquids and tablets that can be swallowed or crushed, and quick-dissolve tablets (Evekeo ODt) that dissolve instantly in the mouth. The two methylphenidate types are similar to amphetamines, but are generally considered to be safer than amphetamines for younger people. They are less likely to cause addiction and heart problems. Amphetamines are slightly more potent than methylphenidate, and can last for up to 16 hours, but they're more likely to lead to heart problems.