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ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a significant difference for most kids. But it's not the best choice for everyone. Parents must weigh the pros and con.
The most common medication prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They can cut down on hyperactivity, interrupting, fidgeting and other signs. They can also trigger side effects like jitteriness and headaches.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost the activity of the peripheral and central nervous systems. They boost the transmission of brain signals, which helps people concentrate more effectively and enhances their learning ability. They also improve the efficiency, alertness and the level of arousal, and also reduce appetite. However, they can also cause side effects including an irregular heartbeat as well as high blood pressure. They can be used to treat a variety but they are commonly prescribed for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD can suffer from problems at school, at work, and in their relationships. They are typically impulsive, and have difficulty making plans. Their behavior may be influenced by their mood like being excessively angry or frustrated.
Medication can improve the ability of those with ADHD to plan, complete tasks and control impulsive behaviors. But it is not a cure for the condition, and many sufferers find that their symptoms persist even when they are taking medication. Some people also have underlying issues that cause their symptoms, including depression, anxiety, or drug addiction. These issues may require additional treatments to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in all ADHD medication. Methylphenidate has a rapid effect because it is released into the system in a short amount of time. It can also have an immediate impact on mood. It is sometimes called Ritalin but the same drug is available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer period of time and can have effects for up to four hours.
Because of the potential for abuse, stimulants are closely controlled and only prescribed by a paediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrists (and sometimes GPs in exceptional situations). They are usually only recommended as a last resort, after all other treatments have been exhausted.
Some research suggests that physical exercise can help ease ADHD symptoms by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine serotonin and norepinephrine. A good night's sleep is important. Encourage your child or yourself to to sleep at a time that is reasonable and to stick to the same routine, particularly during meal times. Avoiding caffeinated drinks can also help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines trigger receptors in the brain that enhance the activity of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine and dopamine. They are involved in cognitive function as well as motivation, movement and. They were used to treat a variety of ailments, but are now prescribed mainly for ADHD and obesity, as well as Narcolepsy. They can also be used as a recreational drug to improve athletic performance and for feelings of euphoria or energy.
They are available in various types, ranging from a single capsule to extending-release tablets. The dosage is usually adjusted to suit the weight and age of the patient as well as medical history and how the drug affects the patient. Children and adults alike can take these medications. They are often paired with other medications to minimize adverse effects or to help people to get through the day.
Stimulants are often the first option for treating ADHD and are usually effective. It could take a while to determine the right dose because every person reacts differently to medications. Your doctor will observe the body reactions of you or your child until they determine the appropriate dose. They will then continue to monitor the dosage over time to ensure that it is working.
Many experts believe that a mix treatment with medication and behavioral therapy is the most effective option for treating ADHD. Some psychiatrists argue that stimulants can have serious side effects such as addiction and cardiovascular issues, and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. Some people have also reported symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome when taking stimulants.
A new study referred to as a "network meta-analysis" examined all the available evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety for ADHD in adults using a variety of drugs, ranging from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine, as well as Atomoxetine. Researchers were able to compare the results from individual studies, even when they were not directly tested against each other. Previous meta-analyses have only focused on specific groups of patients, or a single drug.
The study concluded that lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were more effective than other drugs in reducing ADHD symptoms. The study recommended that these two medications be tested first, before switching to the standard dexamfetamine if they aren't working. The other two options to consider are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Certain ADHD medication side effects can resemble the symptoms of anxiety or depression. Talk to your doctor when you observe signs of depression or anxiousness in your child or an adult who is taking ADHD medication. You may need to change the dosage or add a different medication to your treatment plan.
They aren't usually prescribed for depression only, but could be beneficial to those who suffer from both depression and ADHD. They help to reduce depression symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty working while reducing ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants are not typically used to treat ADHD. However they can be helpful when stimulants do not work or cause unwanted adverse effects. The most common antidepressants are SSRIs, also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters. However tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline or imipramine are occasionally prescribed to treat ADHD. The typical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, wellbutrin) is also used to treat ADHD in adults and has been shown to improve impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available and generally have a lower risk of abuse, however they may cause problems with insomnia or agitation for certain people. Other adverse reactions can include headaches and stomach upset. Doctors can prescribe long-acting extended-release formulations of these medications, which last from six to 16 hours, and can slow the fluctuation of the levels of drugs in the body. Many people take a long-acting or extended-release medication taken in the morning with an immediate-release dose that is taken from mid to late afternoon to cover the times of day when the first medication begins to wear off.
Therapy can complement treatments for ADHD by helping people learn new strategies for coping and helping to break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects people with licensed certified, accredited therapists who specialize in a variety of topics including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and relationships. You can complete the assessment in just one minute and be matched to an therapist within just 48 hours.
Other medications
Many people with ADHD take non-stimulant drugs to manage their symptoms. These include atomoxetine also known as Strattera and viloxazine, also known as Qelbree. They are in the antidepressant family and function, according to theory, by increasing levels of a chemical called norepinephrine. This aids the brain's nerves transmit messages to each other which improves concentration and reduces impulsiveness. They are also less likely to trigger side effects such as sleepiness or appetite suppression than stimulant medications.
Stimulant medication can cause unpleasant side effects, such as stomach upset or changes in blood pressure or heartbeat. Full Record can also cause tics (spontaneous repeated vocal or aural sounds) more noticeable and annoying. Some children can also experience weight loss and growth delays when they are taking stimulant drugs. These effects last for a short time and your doctor will recommend the correct dosage for your child or you.
You won't see any real improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you've been on the medication for a minimum of three to four weeks. The doctor will monitor your child or yourself and adjust the dosage if needed. The problem can't be solved through medication alone, so you should discuss the possibility of behavioral therapy with your child's doctor.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD however, is not the only choice. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medications release the medication quickly into your system. They must be taken several times a throughout the day. Long-acting methylphenidate drugs, such as Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. These medications are available in liquids and tablets that can be crushed or swallowed, and tablets that are quick-dissolve (Evekeo ODt) that dissolve instantly in the mouth. Both forms of methylphenidate are similar to amphetamine, however they are generally regarded to be safer for young people than amphetamines. They are also less likely to cause heart problems and addiction. Amphetamines last for up to sixteen hours and are more potent than methylphenidate. However they are more likely to cause heart problems.