ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a big difference for most kids. It's not for all children. Parents should weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Stimulants are among the most popular medicines doctors prescribe for ADHD. They can cut down on the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity fidgeting, agitation and other signs. They can also cause side-effects like jitteriness and headaches.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They increase the transmission of brain signals, which helps people focus better and improve their learning ability. They also increase productivity, alertness, and arousal and reduce appetite. They can also cause adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. Stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD, but can be used for a variety circumstances. People suffering from ADHD may have problems at school, work or in their relationships. They are often overly indecisive and have trouble planning ahead. Their behaviour can also be affected by their moods like being excessively irritable or angry.
Medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to plan and stay on track on tasks, and also manage their impulsive behavior. It is not a cure for the condition, and a lot of people experience symptoms even when taking medication. Certain people also have other issues that contribute to their symptoms, like depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. These issues may require other treatments to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in all ADHD medication. Methylphenidate enters the body in a brief amount of time, meaning it is able to work quickly and be a rapid effect on mood. It is sometimes referred to Ritalin however, the same drug is available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer period, and can have effects for up to four hours.
Due to the potential for misuse of stimulants, they are strictly controlled and are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician (and sometimes, GPs in certain circumstances). They are typically only prescribed as a last resort after all other treatments have been exhausted.
There is evidence that physical exercise can ease the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. It is also crucial to get enough rest. Encourage your child or yourself to to sleep at a time that is reasonable and to stick to an established routine, especially during mealtimes. Avoiding caffeinated drinks can also help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate receptors in the brain that increase the activity of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They are involved in cognitive functioning as well as motivation, movement and. They have been used to treat a wide variety of ailments however, they are now mainly prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity. Additionally, they are used for recreation to improve performance in athletics and feel euphoric.
They are available in various types, ranging from a single capsule to extending-release tablets. The dosage is typically adjusted according to age and weight, as well as medical background and how the drug affects the patient. adhd medication and pregnancy and children can take these drugs. They are often used in conjunction with other medicines to reduce side effects or help people get through the day.
Stimulants are usually the first method of treatment for ADHD and are generally effective for most patients. It can take time to find the right dosage, as each person reacts differently to the medication. Your health care provider will keep track of your child's bodily reactions until they discover an effective dose and will continue to monitor the effect over time to ensure it's working.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavior therapy and medication is the most effective method to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists believe that stimulants could cause severe side effects like addiction and cardiovascular issues as well as psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Some people have also reported symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome when taking stimulants.
A new study, known as a network meta-analysis, reviewed all the available evidence about the effectiveness and safety of various drugs for ADHD in adults, ranging from dextroamphetamine to methylphenidate and atomox. This allowed researchers to compare the results of individual studies, even though they hadn't been directly tested against one another. Meta-analyses of the past have focused on specific groups of patients, or a single drug.
The study concluded that all the medications studied aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, but lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were more effective than other medications. It was suggested that these two be first tried, and then switching to regular dexamfetamine in the event that one of them does not work or isn't a good fit. The other two options to consider are atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Some ADHD medication side effects resemble the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Talk to your doctor when you observe signs of anxiety or depression in your child or adult who is taking ADHD medication. You may need to alter the medication or add another medication to your treatment plan.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't usually prescribed by themselves for depression however they can be helpful for those suffering from an underlying depression and ADHD. They can reduce symptoms of depression like fatigue and difficulty working, and help manage ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants aren't typically used to treat ADHD however, they may be helpful if stimulants don't work or have unacceptable side effects. The most popular antidepressant medicines are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline and imipramine are sometimes used to treat ADHD. Adults with ADHD can also be treated with an antidepressant that is atypical, bupropion. It has been shown to decrease impulsivity and improve inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available. They have a lower chance of abuse but can trigger agitation and insomnia in some people. Other adverse effects could include stomach upsets and headaches. Doctors can prescribe long-acting extended-release formulations of these medications that last between six to 16 hours and may reduce the fluctuations of drug levels within the body. Many people supplement a longer-acting or extended-release medication in the morning with an instant-release dose taken mid- to late afternoon to cover times of day when the first medication begins to wear off.
Therapy can supplement treatments for ADHD by teaching people new coping techniques and helping people break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed certified, accredited therapists that specialize in a wide range of topics including ADHD and depression, anxiety and relationships. It takes just a few minutes to complete an assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Other medications
Non-stimulant medications are commonly employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are in the class of antidepressants and function, in theory by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a chemical. This helps nerves in the brain transmit messages to each other which improves focus and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They are less likely to experience negative effects such as sleepiness or appetite suppression when in comparison to stimulant drugs.
Some stimulants can cause undesirable side effects, such as stomach upset and changes to heart rate or blood pressure. They can also cause tics (spontaneous repetitive vocal or aural sounds) more apparent and irritating. Some children can also have weight loss and growth delays when taking stimulant medications. These effects are usually short-lived, and a doctor will prescribe a dose that is appropriate for your child or you.
You will not see any real improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you have been on the medication for at least three to four weeks. The doctor will closely monitor your child or you and adjust the dosage as necessary. The medication alone will not solve the issue, so it's important to talk with your child's health professional regarding behavioral therapy, too.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD but it's not the only option. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medicines release the medication rapidly into your system. They must be taken multiple times per day. Long-acting methylphenidate medications like Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available in tablets that can be swallowed, crushed, as liquids and as quick-dissolve tablets that dissolve in the mouth (Evekeo ODT). These two kinds of methylphenidate are similar to amphetamines, but, are generally considered safer than amphetamines for younger people. They are less likely to cause addiction and heart issues. Amphetamines can be a bit stronger than methylphenidate and may last for as long as 16 hours, but they're less likely to cause heart issues.