ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge difference for the majority of kids. It's not for all children. Parents must weigh the pros and cons carefully.
The most commonly prescribed medication by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. They can reduce hyperactivity, interrupting, fidgeting and other signs. They can also cause side-effects like jitteriness and headaches.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost the activity in the central and peripheral nervous system. They boost the transmission of signals within the brain which allows people to concentrate better and improve their ability to learn. They also improve efficiency, alertness, and stimulation, and decrease appetite. However, they can also cause negative side effects such as an irregular heartbeat as well as high blood pressure. The use of stimulants is prescribed to treat ADHD, but can be used for a variety conditions. People who suffer from ADHD can suffer from problems at school, work, and in their relationships. They are usually indecisive and are unable to plan ahead. Their behaviour can be affected by their moods, such as being overly angry or frustrated.
The use of medication can help improve the ability of people with ADHD to plan, manage and complete tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. However, it isn't an effective treatment for the condition, and many sufferers find that their symptoms persist even when they are taking medication. Some people have underlying issues, such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs, which may contribute to their symptoms. These issues may require additional therapies to resolve the symptoms of ADHD.
The medications used to treat ADHD may have different names, but they all have the same active ingredient, methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is released into your body over a short amount of time, meaning it 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 time and can exert effects for up to four hours.
Due to the potential for abuse of stimulants, they are strictly controlled and can only by prescribed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician (and sometimes, GPs in certain circumstances). They are generally only recommended 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 important to get enough rest. Encourage your child or yourself to to sleep at a time that is reasonable and to follow an established routine, especially during meal times. Avoiding drinks that contain caffeine can help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate receptors in the brain that enhance the activity of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These are associated with cognitive functioning as well as motivation and movement. They have been used to treat a broad range of conditions however, they are now mainly prescribed for ADHD as well as narcolepsy and obesity. They are also abused as a recreational drug to boost athletic performance and for feelings of euphoria and energy.
The drugs are available in a variety of varieties, from tablets to extended-release capsules. The dosage is typically adjusted to suit weight and age, as well as medical background and how the drug affects the patient. They are available for adults and children. Combining them with other medications can lessen the effects of side effects and help patients to get through their day.
Stimulants are often the first line of treatment for ADHD and are generally effective. It can take time to find the right dose because every person reacts differently to the medication. Your health care provider will be monitoring your or your child's bodily reactions until they discover the dose that is effective, and they will monitor the effects over time to ensure it's working.
Many experts believe that a mix treatment with medication and behavioral therapy is the best option for treating ADHD. similar resource site believe that stimulants are prescribed too often and could cause negative side effects including cardiovascular problems, addiction and psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder. Some have also reported symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome after taking stimulants.
A new study, referred to as a network meta-analysis, looked at all the available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of various medications for ADHD for adults, from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine and atomoxetine. Researchers could compare results from individual trials even when they were not directly tested against each other. Meta-analyses of the past have focused on specific groups of patients or just one drug.
The study concluded that all the medications studied were effective in reducing ADHD symptoms However, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were superior to other drugs. The study recommended that these two medications be tried first and then switched to dexamfetamine standard if they don't work. The other two medications that you should look into are guanfacine or atomoxetine.
Antidepressants
Certain ADHD medication side effects resemble the symptoms of anxiety or depression. Talk to your doctor when you observe signs of anxiety or depression in your child or adult who is taking ADHD medication. It may be necessary to modify the medication or add a different medication to your treatment plan.
They are not typically prescribed for only depression but they could be beneficial to those who have both depression and ADHD. They help reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and difficulty working, and help manage ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Antidepressants aren't commonly used to treat ADHD, but they can 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, such as nortriptyline or imipramine are occasionally prescribed to treat ADHD. The Atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, wellbutrin) is also used for 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, however they could cause problems with agitation or insomnia in some people. Other adverse reactions can include stomach upset and headaches. Doctors can prescribe long-acting or extended-release formulations of these medications, which last from six to 16 hours and may lessen the ups and downs of the levels of drugs within the body. Many people start their day with a dose of an extended-release, long-acting medication, and then consume an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon to cover the times when the initial medication starts to fade.
Therapy can help people break bad habits and develop new ways to cope. BetterHelp is an online service that connects people with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in a variety of subjects, including ADHD, depression, anxiety and relationships. It takes only a minute to complete an assessment and you'll be connected with an therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant drugs are frequently employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These medicines include atomoxetine, also known as Strattera and viloxazine known as Qelbree. They are in the family of antidepressants and function, in theory by increasing levels the chemical norepinephrine. This helps nerves within the brain communicate with one another. This increases concentration and decreases impulses. They are also less likely to cause side effects such as anxiety or insomnia than stimulant drugs.
Stimulant medication can cause unpleasant side effects such as an upset stomach, changes in blood pressure or heartbeat. They can also make the tics (spontaneous repetitive movements or vocal sounds) more apparent and irritating. The stimulant medications can also slow growth and lead to weight loss in some children. These effects are usually temporary and a doctor will prescribe a dosage that is right for your child or you.
Your child must be on medication for three to four weeks before you will notice a real improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will be monitoring the progress of your child or you closely and adjust the dose if necessary. The problem can't be solved through medication alone, so you should also discuss behavior therapy with your child's physician.
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD but it's not the only option. Short-acting methylphenidate medications like Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system, and they have to be taken multiple times a day. Long-acting methylphenidate medications like Evekeo or Ritalin SR release the medication gradually 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). These two kinds of methylphenidate, while similar to amphetamines are generally regarded as safer than amphetamines for young people. They are also less likely to cause heart issues and addiction. Amphetamines are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last for up to 16 hours, but they're less likely to cause heart issues.