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ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge difference for most kids. It's not for all children. Parents must weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully.
The most commonly prescribed medication 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 headaches and jitteriness.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the peripheral and central nervous system. They boost the transmission of brain signals which allows people to focus more effectively and enhances their ability to learn. They also increase efficiency, alertness, and stimulation, and decrease appetite. They can also cause negative side effects like an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. adhd medication list can be used to treat a variety of conditions however, they are most often prescribed for ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can suffer from problems at work, school and in their relationships. They are usually indecisive and are unable to plan ahead. Their mood can also influence their behavior, for instance when they are angry or irritable.
Treatment can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to plan and stick with tasks, and control impulsive behaviours. However, it's not a cure for the condition, and many sufferers experience symptoms that persist even when they are taking medication. There are some who have underlying issues that cause their symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or drug addiction. These issues may require other therapies to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in all ADHD medication. Methylphenidate is released into your body over a short amount of time, which means it acts quickly and can produce a rapid impact on mood. It is sometimes called Ritalin, although the same medicine is also available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer period of time, and can have an effect for up to four hours.
Because of the risk of abuse, stimulants are tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a pediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrists (and sometimes GPs in exceptional circumstances). They are generally only recommended as a last resort, after all other treatment options have been exhausted.
There is evidence that suggests physical exercise can help alleviate ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Getting enough sleep is also crucial. Encourage your child or yourself to to sleep at a reasonable time and to stick to a routine, especially during meal times. Avoiding caffeine-containing drinks can aid in reducing stress.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines activate receptors in the brain and enhance the activity of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are involved in cognitive function as well as motivation, movement and. They were used to treat various conditions, but are now prescribed mainly for ADHD and obesity, as well as the condition known as narcolepsy. They are also used for recreation to improve athletic performance and feel euphoria.
These drugs come in many forms, ranging from tablets to extended-release capsules. The dosage is adjusted based on the patient's weight, age as well as medical history and the effects of the medication. They can be taken by adults and children. They are often combined with other medications to minimize adverse effects or to help people to get through the day.
Stimulants are typically the first option for treating ADHD and are effective in most cases. They may take a while to find the right dosage because every person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will observe the body reactions of you or your child until they find the right dosage. They will then continue to monitor it over time to make sure it is working.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD. However, some psychiatrists argue that stimulants are over-prescribed and can cause negative side effects such as cardiovascular problems addiction, psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular problems like bipolar disorder. Some have also reported symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome while taking stimulants.
A new study, referred to as a network meta-analysis, examined all available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of various drugs for ADHD in adults, from dextroamphetamine to methylphenidate and atomox. Researchers were able to examine the results of individual trials, even though they weren't directly tested against each other. Meta-analyses in the past have only examined certain populations of patients or one drug.
The study concluded that lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were more effective than other drugs in reducing ADHD symptoms. The study recommended that these two drugs be tried first and then switch to the standard dexamfetamine if they aren't working. Other medications to look at are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have co-existing depression or anxiety Some ADHD medication side effects look like the symptoms of other mental health disorders. Talk to your doctor in the event that you notice signs of depression or anxiousness in your child or an adult who is taking ADHD medication. You may need to add another medication to your treatment regimen or change the medication.
Stimulants used for ADHD aren't typically prescribed by themselves for depression however they can be helpful for those suffering from the combination of depression and ADHD. They reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and trouble working while reducing ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Antidepressants aren't typically used to treat ADHD, but they can be helpful if stimulants don't perform or have undesirable adverse effects. The most popular antidepressant medicines are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine and nortriptyline, are sometimes used to treat ADHD. The atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, wellbutrin) is also commonly employed to treat ADHD in adults and has been proven to improve impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available, and typically have a lower chance of abuse, but they may cause problems with agitation or insomnia in some people. They may also cause other side effects, such as stomach upset and headaches. Doctors can prescribe long-acting extended-release formulations of these drugs which last between six to 16 hours and may slow the fluctuation of drug levels in 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 mid-to-late afternoon to cover times when the initial medication starts to wear off.
Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and learn new coping strategies. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed, accredited therapists specializing in ADHD, depression and anxiety. It takes only a minute to complete an assessment and you'll be matched to the right therapist in as short as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Many people suffering from ADHD take non-stimulant drugs to help manage their symptoms. These include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They belong to the antidepressant family and function, according to theory, by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a chemical. This allows nerves within the brain communicate with one another. This enhances concentration and decreases the frequency of impulses. They are less likely to have negative effects such as anxiety or insomnia compared to stimulant medications.
The stimulant drugs can cause undesirable side effects, such as an upset stomach and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They may also make the tics (spontaneous repetition of vocal sounds or movements) more apparent and uncomfortable. Children may also have weight loss and growth delays when taking stimulant medications. These effects are usually temporary and the doctor will prescribe a dosage that is suitable for you or your child.
You won't see any 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 monitor your child or you and adjust the dosage if needed. The problem can't be solved by medication alone, so you should also discuss behavior therapy with your child's physician.
Methylphenidate is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD, but there are other types of stimulant medicine. Short-acting methylphenidate medications like Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system, and have to be taken multiple times throughout the day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines like Evekeo or Ritalin SR, release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available in tablets that can be swallowed or crushed, as liquids, and as tablets that quickly dissolve in the mouth (Evekeo ODT). These two types of methylphenidate, while similar to amphetamines, are generally considered safer than amphetamines in young people. They are also less likely to cause heart issues and addiction. Amphetamines are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last for as long as 16 hours, but they're more likely to lead to heart issues.