Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining medication and therapy can help control ADHD. The medication treats the brain, while therapy helps people manage and learn skills.
Stimulants, like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, increase levels of two chemical substances in the brain, which transmit messages between cells. This improves attention and impulse control. Stimulants may cause side effects, such as insomnia, a decreased appetite, and increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first medication used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of norepinephrine and dopamine which help the brain function normally. These drugs improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also aid people to get organized, complete tasks and enhance relationships. The effects are not lasting and may cause serious side effects. These medications can cause personality changes in some people, particularly those who have a history of depression or Bipolar disorder. They may become introverted, unfocused or rigid, less sociable and talkative or develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. These adverse effects are more likely to happen in people with heart conditions. They must be monitored closely by their physician while taking stimulants.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting dosages. They are those that peak after a few hours require taking 2-3 times a day in order to achieve their maximum effect. Long-acting or extended-release medications last for between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once per day. Both kinds are prone to adverse effects on growth, appetite, and sleep, so it's vital to talk to your doctor about how the medication may affect you or your child prior to taking it.
Be patient. It may take some time to determine the most effective dosage and medication for a person with ADHD. Your doctor will try different medications in small doses to determine which ones can control symptoms best and have the smallest amount of negative side negative effects. They may also have to alter the dosage in accordance with your child's response.
The side effects of ADHD medication can be severe or a nuisance, but they usually disappear within several weeks or days as your body becomes used to the medication. The adverse effects of ADHD medications include stomach upset, loss of appetite as well as increased blood pressure, heart rate and tics. natural adhd medication and teenagers who take stimulants may experience a reduction in growth or a slight delay in their height at the end of the day.
The symptoms can recur if the medication is stopped therefore it's essential to discuss with your doctor whether it's appropriate for you or your child to continue taking the medication. It is also important to check with your doctor to ensure that the medication is working as intended and there aren't any side effects or problems.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD require more time to work than stimulants, but they can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Although they don't carry the same potential for dependence or abuse as stimulants do, they increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Some states have laws requiring doctors to monitor patients taking certain medications, such as ADHD medications. The law requires them to meet with you or your child on a regular basis, either in person or over the phone, to ensure that the medication is safe and effective and to evaluate the performance of the patient. They can also assess the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medication, as well as look for other symptoms such a depression, anxiety or suicidal idea.