Medications and Therapy For ADHD
A combination of therapy and medication can help to manage ADHD symptoms. The brain is treated with medication while therapy helps individuals learn techniques and manage.
Stimulants, like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, increase levels of two chemical substances in the brain that pass messages between cells. This improves attention and impulse control. The stimulants can have adverse effects, such as weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
Medications called stimulants are often the first treatment to be tried for ADHD. They increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps the brain function normally. These medicines improve focus and reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity, and fidgeting. They also aid people to organize their lives, complete tasks and improve relationships. The effects aren't long-lasting and may cause severe side-effects. These drugs can cause personality changes in some individuals, especially those with a past history of bipolar disorder or depression. They may be more introverted or rigid more withdrawn, less sociable and spontaneous or exhibit signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. These side effects are more likely to occur in those with heart conditions. They should be closely monitored by their doctor when taking stimulants.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting dosages. They are those that peak after a few hours should be taken every day for a minimum of 3 times in order to achieve their maximum effect. Long-acting or extended-release drugs work for 8-12 hours and can be taken just once daily. Both kinds can have negative effects on appetite, sleep, and growth. Consult your physician before taking either type about possible adverse effects.
Be patient. It can take some time to find the best dosage and medication for someone who has ADHD. Your doctor will test a range of medications in small doses to determine which one controls the symptoms the best and has the fewest adverse effects. They may have to alter the dose as well, depending on how your child or you reacts.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can be a serious or bothersome, but they usually go away within some weeks or days as your body gets used to the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite and a rise in blood pressure and heart rate and tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing). Some children and teenagers who take stimulants may have a slower growth rate or a slight delay of their final height.
Symptoms can return if the medication is discontinued, so it's important to talk to your doctor whether it's appropriate for you or your child to continue taking the medication. It is also important to check in with your physician regularly to ensure that the medication is working, and that there are no problems or adverse effects.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work, but can increase attention as well as reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. 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, so there is a risk of dependence or misuse.
Some states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients who are taking certain medications. This includes ADHD medications. These laws require doctors to meet you or your child on a regular basis in person or via phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective, and to monitor the patient's development. In adhd medication names , to monitoring the effectiveness of your or your child's ADHD medication, they can also check for other indicators and signs of issues, such as anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.