ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge difference for the majority children. It's not for everyone. Parents must weigh the pros and con.
The most common medication prescribed by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. They can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity, fidgeting and interrupting, and other symptoms. However, they can also trigger side effects like jitteriness, headaches, stomachaches and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that increase the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They increase the transmission of brain signals which allows people to focus more effectively and enhances their ability to learn. They also improve productivity, alertness and arousal and reduce appetite. best medication for adhd can also cause adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions but they are often prescribed for ADHD. People with ADHD are often faced with difficulties at work, school and in their relationships. They are usually unpredictable and have difficulty planning ahead. Their mood can influence their behavior, like when they are angry or upset.
Medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to plan and stick with tasks, and manage their impulsive behavior. It is not a cure for the condition, and a lot of people have symptoms even though they are taking medication. Some people suffer from issues, like depression, anxiety, or drug abuse, that can contribute to their symptoms. These issues may require additional therapies to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in all ADHD medications. Methylphenidate enters the body in a short period of time, so it acts quickly and can produce a rapid impact on mood. It is also known as Ritalin. However the same medication can be purchased under the brand name Ritalin LA. This medication is released over a longer period of time and can have a lasting effect.
Due to the possibility of abuse of stimulants, they are strictly controlled and are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician (and sometimes, GPs in certain circumstances). They are only prescribed as a last option, after all other options have been exhausted.
Some research suggests that physical exercise can help reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. It is also essential to get enough rest. Encourage your child or yourself to go to sleep at a reasonable time and to stick to a routine, especially during mealtimes. Drinking less caffeinated beverages can aid.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate receptors in the brain that enhance the activity of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They are involved in cognitive functioning as well as motivation, movement and. They were prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, but are now prescribed for ADHD, obesity and Narcolepsy. Also, they are abused recreationally to enhance the performance of athletes and to feel euphoric.
These drugs are available in different forms, from a single capsule to extending-release tablets. The dosage is typically determined by weight and age and medical history and the way in which the drug affects the patient. They can be taken by adults and children. They are often paired with other medications to minimize adverse effects or to help people to get through the day.
Stimulants are often the initial treatment option for ADHD, and they are generally effective for most patients. It can take a while to determine the right dose because everyone reacts differently to medication. Your health care provider will monitor your or your child's bodily reactions until they discover a dose that works, and they will monitor the effects over time to make sure it is working.
Many experts believe that a combination treatment of medication and behavior therapy is the most effective option for treating ADHD. Some psychiatrists, however, argue that stimulants can have serious side effects such as cardiovascular problems and addiction as well as psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Some have also reported symptoms such as tics or Tourette syndrome while taking stimulants.
A new study referred to as a "network meta-analysis" looked at all available evidence of the effectiveness and safety for ADHD in adults using a variety of medications, ranging from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine, as well as the atomoxetine. Researchers were able to compare results from individual trials, even although they were not directly tested against one another. Meta-analyses previously focused on specific populations of patients or one drug.
The study concluded that lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were more effective than other medications in reducing ADHD symptoms. It recommended that these two be tried first, then switched to regular dexamfetamine in the event that one of them does not work or isn't a good fit. The other two medications to consider are atomoxetine or guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Many people who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from anxiety or depression, and some ADHD medication side effects can look like the symptoms of other mental health issues. If your adult or child is taking ADHD medication, and you also see signs of depression or anxiety speak to your doctor right away. You may need to alter the dosage or add another medication to your treatment plan.
They are not typically prescribed for depression alone however they could be beneficial to those who have both depression and ADHD. They can help reduce symptoms of depression like fatigue and trouble concentrating while controlling ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Antidepressants are not normally used to treat ADHD however, they may be useful if stimulants don't work or cause unacceptable side effects. Antidepressants are most commonly SSRIs, also known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. However tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine are often prescribed to treat ADHD. best medication for adhd with ADHD are also treated with an antidepressant that is atypical, bupropion. It has been proven to reduce impulsivity as well as improve inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available and generally have a lower risk of abuse, but they could cause problems with insomnia or agitation for some people. Other adverse reactions can include headaches and stomach upset. Doctors may prescribe long-acting or extended-release formulations of these drugs which last between six to 16 hours, and can lessen the ups and downs of drug levels in the body. Many people supplement a longer-acting or extended-release medication taken in the morning with an immediate release dose that is taken from mid to late afternoon to cover periods of the day when first medication begins to wear off.
Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and learn new coping strategies. BetterHelp is a service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists that specialize in ADHD as well as depression and anxiety. It takes only a minute to take a test, and you'll be connected with the right therapist in as short as 48 hours.
Other medications
Non-stimulant medications are commonly employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are in the antidepressant family and function, in theory by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a chemical. This helps nerves within the brain communicate with each other. This increases concentration and decreases impulses. They are less likely to experience adverse effects such as sleepiness or appetite suppression when in comparison to stimulant drugs.
The use of stimulants can trigger undesirable side effects like stomach upset or changes in heartbeat or blood pressure. They can also make tics (spontaneous repeated movements or vocal noises) more noticeable and annoying. Some children can also experience growth and weight loss when taking stimulant medication. These effects are temporary and your doctor will prescribe the correct dosage for your child or you.
Your child should be on medication for 3 to 4 weeks before you can see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will track the progress of your child or you closely and adjust the dose if necessary. Medication alone won't solve the problem, therefore it's essential to speak with your child's health care provider about behavioral therapy as well.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD, is not the only option. Short-acting methylphenidate medications like Adderall and Ritalin release the medication quickly into your system, and they have to be taken multiple times per day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines like Evekeo and Ritalin SR, release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available as liquids and tablets that can be chewed or swallowed and quick-dissolve tablets (Evekeo ODt) which dissolve instantly in the mouth. These two types of methylphenidate are similar to amphetamines, but, are generally considered safer than amphetamines for younger people. They are also less likely to cause heart problems and addiction. Amphetamines last for up to sixteen hours and are more potent than methylphenidate. However they are more likely to cause heart issues.