Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining medication and therapy can help to manage ADHD. Medicines treat the brain while therapy helps individuals develop strategies and cope.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, increase levels of two chemical substances in the brain, which transmit messages between cells. This improves attention, impulse control and motivation. The stimulants can have side effects such as weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and an increase of heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first treatment tried for ADHD. They boost levels of norepinephrine and dopamine which help the brain function normally. These medicines enhance focus and reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity, and fidgeting. They can also help people organize their lives, complete tasks and enhance relationships. But the effects won't last for long, and they can have serious negative side effects. These medications can trigger personality changes in some people, particularly those with a past history of bipolar disorder or depression. They might become more withdrawn or rigid and less talkative or exhibit signs of obsessive compulsive disorders. They may also increase blood pressure and heartbeat. Patients with heart conditions are more susceptible to these adverse effects and should be monitored closely by a physician when taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants are available in two different dosages. Those that peak after several hours need to be taken at least three times per day in order to achieve their maximum effect. Long-acting or extended-release drugs last between 8 and 12 hours and can be taken only once a day. Both types can have adverse effects on appetite, growth and sleep, so it's important to consult with your doctor about how the medication may affect your child or you prior to starting it.
Be patient. It may take some time to find the right medication and dosage for someone with ADHD. Your doctor will test a range of medications in small doses, to determine which one manages the symptoms the most effectively and has the least adverse effects. They may also need to alter the dosage in accordance with your child's reaction.
The side effects of ADHD medication can be a serious or uncomfortable, but they usually go away within some weeks or days as your body becomes familiar with the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite and a rise in heart rate and blood pressure, and tics (sudden repetition of motions or sounds that sound like eye blinking or clearing of the throat). Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants may see a slowing in growth and an increase in their height.
The symptoms may recur after the medication is discontinued therefore it's essential to discuss with your doctor if it's appropriate for you or your child to continue taking the medication. You should also check in with your physician to make sure that the medication is working as it should and there aren't any side consequences or issues.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications require longer time to work however they can help improve attention as well as reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although they don't have as much of a potential for dependence or abuse as stimulants do, they increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
best medication for adhd have laws that require doctors to observe patients who are taking certain medication. This includes ADHD medicines. These laws require doctors to meet with you or your child on a regular basis whether in person or via phone, to make sure that the medications are effective and safe and to evaluate the performance of the patient. In addition to monitoring the effectiveness of your or your child's ADHD medication, they should also check for other indications and signs of problems, including anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.