Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining medication and therapy can help manage ADHD. Medications treat the brain, while therapy helps people develop techniques and manage.
Stimulants, such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, increase levels of two chemical substances in the brain, which transmit messages between cells. This can increase the ability to focus and control impulses. The stimulants can have side effects, such as insomnia, a loss of appetite and a rise in heart rate and bloodpressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are often the first drugs used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of norepinephrine and dopamine which aids the brain to function normally. These medicines improve focus and reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also improve relationships, and help people complete tasks and stay organized. add adhd medications aren't long-lasting and can cause severe side-effects. These medications can trigger personality changes in certain people, especially those with a past history of bipolar disorder or depression. They may be withdrawn, listless or rigid, less sociable and talkative or develop symptoms of obsessive compulsive. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with heart conditions are at increased risk for these side effects and should be monitored by a physician when taking stimulants.
adhd and medication come in short and long-acting dosages. The stimulants that are peaking in a few hours must be taken twice a day. Long-acting drugs or those with extended release work for 8-12 hour and can only be taken once per week. Both kinds can have adverse effects on appetite, growth, and sleep, so it's important to consult with your doctor about how the medication may affect you or your child before beginning it.
Be patient. It may take time to find the right dosage and medication for someone with ADHD. Your doctor will test several medications in small doses to determine which one controls the symptoms the most effectively and has the least adverse effects. They may have to alter the dose as well dependent on how you or your child responds.
The negative effects of ADHD medication can be serious or bothersome However, they tend to disappear after several weeks or days as your body becomes used to the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, appetite loss and a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, and tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or clearing of the throat). Children and adolescents who take stimulants may suffer from a slower growth and an increase in their height.
The symptoms can recur if the medication is stopped therefore it's essential to talk with your doctor whether it's right for you or your child to continue taking it. It is important to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure the medication is working and that there are no problems or side effects.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to work than stimulants, but they can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. They don't have the same potential for addiction or abuse as stimulants, however they can increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, and therefore there is a possibility of abuse or dependence.
Some states have laws requiring doctors to keep track of patients taking certain medications, such as ADHD medicines. These laws require doctors to meet you or your child frequently in person, or by phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective, and to assess the person's development. In addition to monitoring the effectiveness of your your child's ADHD medication, they may also check for other indicators and signs of problems, including anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.