Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining medication and therapy can help control ADHD. The brain is treated with medication and therapy helps people learn strategies and cope.
Stimulants, like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, increase levels of two chemicals in the brain, which transmit messages between cells. This increases the level of attention, impulse control, and motivation. The stimulants can have side effects such as an increase in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase of heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which aids the brain to function normally. These drugs help improve focus and decrease hyperactivity, interrupting and fidgeting. types of adhd medication improve interpersonal relationships, aid in completing tasks and become organized. The effects are not long-lasting and may cause serious side-effects. These drugs can cause changes in the personality of some people, particularly those with a past history of Bipolar disorder or depression. They may be more introverted or rigid and less talkative or show signs of obsessive compulsive disorders. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. concerta adhd medication are more likely to occur in people who suffer from heart problems. They should be closely monitored by their physician when taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants are available in two different dosages. They are those that peak after a few hours need to be taken every day for a minimum of 3 times in order to achieve their maximum effect. Long-acting or extended-release drugs work for 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day. Both can have negative effects on appetite, growth and sleep, so it's important to talk to your doctor about how the medication may affect your child or you prior to taking it.
Be patient. It may take time to find the right medication and dosage for someone with ADHD. Your doctor will test various medications in small amounts to determine which ones control the symptoms best and have the fewest negative side consequences. They may also have to adjust the dosage depending on your or your child's response.
The side effects of ADHD medication can be severe or a nuisance However, they tend to disappear within a few weeks or days as your body becomes accustomed to the medicine. Common side effects include stomach upset, appetite loss, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing). Children and adolescents who take stimulants can experience a decrease in growth and an increase in their final height.
If you stop taking the medicine and experience symptoms, they could be recurred. It is important to discuss with your doctor if it's better for you or your child to continue. It is important to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that the medication is working and that there aren't any problems or adverse effects.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work but they can enhance attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although they don't carry the same potential for abuse or dependence as stimulants do, they do increase levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine within the brain.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients who are taking certain medications. This includes ADHD medications. These laws require doctors to visit you or your child regularly whether in person or by phone, to make sure that the medication is effective and safe, and to assess how the patient is doing. They are also able to monitor the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medications and also examine other symptoms like a depression, anxiety or suicidal thought.