Medications and Therapy For ADHD
A combination of therapy and medication can help manage ADHD symptoms. Medicines treat the brain while therapy helps individuals develop skills and cope.
Stimulants like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, boost levels of two chemical substances in the brain that pass messages between cells. This can increase attention, impulse control and motivation. The stimulants can trigger adverse effects, such as weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are often the first drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which aids the brain to function normally. These medications improve focus and reduce hyperactivity as well as fidgeting. They can also improve relationships, aid in completing tasks and stay organized. But the effects don't last for long, and they can have serious negative side effects. These medications can trigger personality changes in some people, especially those with a history of depression or Bipolar disorder. They might become more withdrawn, listless or rigid, less sociable and talkative or develop symptoms of obsessive compulsive. They can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat. People with a heart condition are at a higher risk of these side effects, and should be closely monitored by a physician when taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants are available in two doses. The stimulants that are peaking within a couple of hours should be taken twice daily. Long-acting medications or ones with extended release function for between 8 and 12 hours and can only be taken twice a week. Both types can have negative side effects, including on sleep, appetite, and growth. Talk to your doctor before taking either type regarding the potential adverse effects.
Be patient. It may take time to determine the most effective medication and dosage for someone with ADHD. Your doctor will test different medications in small doses to determine which ones control the symptoms best and have the smallest amount of negative side consequences. They may need to adjust the dose as well according to how your child or you reacts.
add adhd medications Iampsychiatry of ADHD medication can be serious or a nuisance However, they tend to go away within several weeks or days as your body gets accustomed to the medicine. The side effects of ADHD medication include stomach upset, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure heart rate and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulants might have a slower growth rate or a slight delay of their final height.
If you stop taking the medicine, symptoms can come back. It's important that you discuss with your doctor whether it's better for your child or yourself to continue. You should also follow up with your physician regularly to make sure the medication is working and that there aren't any problems or side effects.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD require more time to work than stimulants, but they can improve focus and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. They do not have the same risk for abuse or addiction as stimulants, however they do increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, and therefore there is a risk of misuse or dependency.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to monitor patients who are taking certain medications, such as ADHD medicines. These laws require doctors to see you or your child regularly in person, or by phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective and to assess the person's development. 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 anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.