ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a big difference for the majority children. But it's not right for all children. Parents must weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Stimulants are among the most popular medicines doctors prescribe for ADHD. They can reduce excessive stimulation, interruptions fidgeting, and other signs. They can also cause side-effects like headaches and jitteriness.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost the activity of the peripheral and central nervous systems. They enhance the transmission of signals within the brain and help people concentrate better and improve their ability to learn. They also increase productivity, alertness, and arousal and reduce appetite. However, they can also cause adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat as well as high blood pressure. The use of stimulants can treat a variety, but they are most commonly prescribed for ADHD. People with ADHD are often faced with difficulties at school, work and in their relationships. They are usually unpredictable and have difficulty planning ahead. Their mood can also influence their behavior, for instance when they are angry or irritable.
Medication can improve the capacity of people suffering from ADHD to plan, manage and complete tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. However, it isn't a cure 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, such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. These issues could require treatment using other therapies before the symptoms of ADHD can be addressed.
Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in all ADHD medication. Methylphenidate enters the body over a short amount of time, so it acts quickly and can have a quick effect on mood. It is sometimes referred to as Ritalin however, the same drug is available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer period of time, and can have an effect lasting up to four hours.
Because of the potential for abuse, stimulants are closely controlled and only prescribed by a paediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrist (and occasionally GPs in special situations). They are typically only prescribed as a last resort after all other treatments have been exhausted.
There is evidence to suggest that physical exercise can help ease the symptoms of ADHD by increasing levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. It is also crucial to get enough sleep. Encourage your adult or child to sleep at a reasonable hour and stick to a regular routine, especially during meals. Refraining from drinking caffeinated drinks may help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines trigger receptors in the brain, thereby increasing the activity of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine. They are involved in the functioning of the brain as well as motivation and movement. They have been used to treat a broad variety of ailments however, they are now mostly prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity. They can also be used for recreational purposes to boost athletic performance and for feelings of euphoria or energy.
The drugs are available in a variety of varieties, from tablets to extended-release capsules. The dosage is adjusted according to the patient's age, weight, medical history, and the effects of the medication. Children and adults alike can take them. They are often used in conjunction with other medications to minimize adverse effects or to help people to get through the day.
Stimulants are often the first option for treating ADHD and are effective in most cases. They may take a while to determine the appropriate dose, as each person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will observe the body reactions of you or your child until they determine the appropriate dose. They will continue to monitor the dosage over time to ensure that it is effective.
Many experts believe that a combination treatment of medication and behavior therapy is the best option to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists believe that stimulants are prescribed too often and can cause dangerous side effects, like cardiovascular issues, addiction and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. There have been reports of symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome when taking stimulants.
A new study, dubbed an "network meta-analysis" examined all the available evidence on the effectiveness and safety for ADHD in adults using a variety of drugs, ranging from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. This allowed researchers to evaluate the results of different trials, even though they had not been tested directly against one another. Meta-analyses of the past have focused on specific groups of patients, or a single drug.
The study concluded that all the drugs studied helped to reduce ADHD symptoms, but lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were superior to other drugs. The study recommended that these two drugs be tried first and then switch to dexamfetamine standard if they do not work. Two other medications you should look into are atomoxetine or guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Some ADHD medication side effects resemble the symptoms of anxiety or depression. Consult your physician in the event that you notice symptoms of anxiety or depression in your child or an adult who is taking ADHD medication. You might need to add another medication to your treatment plan or change the medication.
Stimulants for ADHD aren't usually prescribed by themselves for depression however, they can be helpful for those who suffer from the combination of depression and ADHD. They can reduce symptoms of depression such as fatigue and difficulty concentration, and also help control ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants are not normally used to treat ADHD however they can be beneficial if stimulants do not work or cause unacceptable adverse effects. The most common antidepressants are SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine are often prescribed to treat ADHD. The atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is also sometimes employed to treat ADHD in adults. It has been proven to improve the inattention and impulsivity.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available, and typically have a lower chance of abuse, however they may cause problems with insomnia or agitation in some people. They may also cause other adverse effects, like stomach upset and headaches. These medications can be prescribed in extended-release formulations or long-acting forms that last between six to 16 hours. This could decrease 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 take an immediate release dose in the afternoon, mid-to-late afternoon, to cover times when the first medication begins to wear off.
Therapy can be a complement to medications for ADHD by teaching people new coping skills and helping to break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in ADHD, depression and anxiety. It takes just a few minutes to complete an assessment and you'll be matched with the right therapist in as short as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medications are commonly employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine also known as Strattera and viloxazine, also known as Qelbree. They are in the class of antidepressants and work, in theory by increasing levels of the chemical norepinephrine. adhd medication pregnancy helps nerves in the brain communicate with one another. This enhances concentration and decreases the frequency of impulses. They are also less likely to cause adverse effects like anxiety or insomnia as stimulant medications.
The use of stimulants can trigger unpleasant side effects such as an upset stomach, changes in heart rate or blood pressure. They may also make the tics (spontaneous, repetitive movements or vocal sounds) more apparent and uncomfortable. Some children can also experience growth and weight loss when taking stimulant medications. These effects last for a short time and your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage for your child or yourself.
You will not see any real improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you have been taking the medication for three to four weeks. The doctor will be monitoring 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 common drug used to treat ADHD, but there are many other kinds of stimulant medicine. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medications release the medication quickly into your system. They should be taken several times throughout the throughout the day. Long-acting methylphenidate drugs like Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available in tablets that can be swallowed, crushed, as liquids, and as tablets that dissolve in the mouth (Evekeo ODT). The two methylphenidate types are similar to amphetamines, but, are generally considered safer than amphetamines in young people. They are also less likely to cause heart issues and addiction. Amphetamines can last for up to 16 hours and are more powerful than methylphenidate. However they are more likely to cause heart issues.