ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a big difference for most kids. It's not for everyone. Parents should weigh the pros and con.
The most commonly prescribed medication by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. They can cut down on excessive stimulation, interruptions fidgeting, and other signs. They can also trigger side effects like jitteriness and headaches.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. They improve the transmission of signals to the brain which allows people to concentrate more effectively and increase their ability to learn. They also boost productivity, alertness, stimulation, and decrease appetite. However, they can trigger adverse effects, such as irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. The use of stimulants is to treat ADHD however, they can also be used for a variety conditions. People suffering from ADHD may experience difficulties at work, school, or in their relationships. source for this article tend to be unpredictable and have difficulty planning ahead. Their behaviour can also be influenced by their mood and mood, for example, being extremely angry or frustrated.
The use of medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to plan and stick with tasks, as well as manage their impulsive behavior. It's not a cure, and many sufferers continue to experience symptoms even when taking medication. There are some who have underlying issues that contribute to their symptoms, including anxiety, depression, or drug addiction. These issues could require treatment with other therapies before the symptoms of ADHD can be resolved.
Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in all ADHD medications. Methylphenidate is a fast-acting drug because it is released into the system within a short period of time. It also has an immediate effect on mood. It is sometimes referred to Ritalin however, the same medicine is also available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer time, and can have an effect for up to four hours.
Due to the possibility of the abuse of stimulants, they are tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician (and sometimes, GPs in certain circumstances). They are only prescribed as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
Some evidence suggests that physical activity can ease ADHD symptoms by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Sleeping enough is essential. Encourage your child or yourself to fall asleep at a regular time and to adhere to an established routine, especially during mealtimes. Drinking less caffeinated beverages can aid.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines activate receptors in the brain that increase the activity of neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine. These are involved with cognitive function as well as motivation and movement. They have been used to treat a wide range of conditions however, they are currently mainly prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity. They are also abused as a recreational drug to improve athletic performance as well as for feelings of euphoria and energy.
They are available in various forms, from one capsule to extended-release tablets. The dosage is typically adjusted to suit the weight and age of the patient, as well as medical background and the way in which 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 effective in most cases. It may take some time to determine the right dosage, as everyone reacts differently to medication. Your doctor will monitor the body reactions of you or your child until they find the right dose. They will continue to monitor the dosage over time to make sure it is working.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is the best treatment for ADHD. Some psychiatrists claim that stimulants can cause serious side effects, such as addiction and cardiovascular problems, and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. Some have also reported symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome when taking stimulants.
A new study, known as a meta-analysis of networks, examined all available evidence about the effectiveness and safety of various drugs for ADHD in adults, from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine and atomoxetine. Researchers were able to compare the results of individual trials, even though they hadn't been directly tested against each other. The previous meta-analyses only focused on certain groups of patients or only one drug.
The study concluded that all the drugs studied aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, but lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were more effective than other medications. The study suggested that these two drugs be tried first before switching to the standard dexamfetamine if they don't work. The other two medications that you should consider are guanfacine and atomoxetine.
Antidepressants
Certain ADHD medication side effects resemble the symptoms of depression or anxiety. If your child or adult is taking ADHD medication, and you notice symptoms of anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor immediately. You may need to add another medication to your treatment plan or modify the medication.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't usually prescribed for depression, but they can be helpful for those who suffer from an underlying depression and ADHD. They can help reduce symptoms of depression like fatigue and difficulty concentrating while controlling ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants do not usually treat ADHD. However they can be beneficial in the event that stimulants fail to function or cause unwanted adverse effects. The most commonly used antidepressant drugs are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but tricyclic antidepressants, like nortriptyline and imipramine are sometimes used to treat ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with the atypical antidepressant, bupropion. It has been proven to decrease impulsivity and improve attention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available, and typically have a lower chance of abuse, but they could cause problems with agitation or insomnia in some people. They may also cause other negative effects, including headaches and stomach upset. Doctors can prescribe long-acting extended-release formulations of these drugs that last between six to 16 hours, and can reduce the fluctuations of the levels of drugs within the body. Many people take a morning dose of a long-acting, extended-release medication, and then take an immediate-release dosage in the late afternoon to cover times when the initial medication starts to wear off.
Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and develop new coping strategies. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed, accredited therapists specializing in ADHD as well as depression and anxiety. It takes just one minute to take a test, and you'll be matched to the right therapist in as short as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medications are commonly used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These medicines are antidepressants that function in theory by increasing levels of norepinephrine. This helps nerves in the brain transmit messages to one another which improves focus and reduces the impulsiveness. They are also less likely to cause side effects such as insomnia or appetite suppression than stimulant medications.
Stimulant medications can have some unpleasant side effects, including an upset stomach and changes to blood pressure or heart rate. They can also make the tics (spontaneous repeated movements or vocal noises) more apparent and irritating. In addition, stimulant medications can slow growth and lead to weight loss in children. These effects are only temporary and your physician will prescribe the right dosage for you or your children.
Your child must be on medication for three to four weeks before you see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will closely watch your child or you and adjust the dosage as required. The problem won't be solved by medication alone, so you should also discuss behavioral therapy with your child's doctor.
Methylphenidate is the most popular drug used to treat ADHD, but there are different types of stimulant medicines. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate drugs release the medication rapidly into your system. They must be taken several times throughout the day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines, such as 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 tablets that quickly dissolve in the mouth (Evekeo ODT). The two methylphenidate types, while similar to amphetamines are generally considered to be safer than amphetamines for young people. They are also less likely to cause heart problems or addiction. Amphetamines can last up to 16 hours and are more potent than methylphenidate. However, they are more likely to cause heart issues.