ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge impact on the lives of children. It's not for all children. Parents should carefully consider the pros and cons.
The most frequently prescribed medication by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They can help reduce hyperactivity, interrupting fidgeting, agitation and other signs. However, they can also trigger side effects like jitteriness, stomachaches, headaches, and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase the activity in the central and peripheral nervous system. They boost the transmission of brain signals which helps people focus more effectively and enhances their learning ability. They also improve efficiency, alertness, and stimulation, and decrease appetite. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat as well as high blood pressure. They can be used to treat a variety, but they are most commonly prescribed for ADHD. People with ADHD may have problems at school, work or in their relationships. They tend to be unpredictable and have difficulty planning ahead. Their mood can also influence their behaviour, such as when they are angry or irritable.
The use of medication can help improve the ability of those with ADHD to plan, follow through on tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. However, it's not an effective treatment for the condition, and a lot of sufferers experience symptoms that persist even when taking medication. Some people suffer from issues, such as anxiety, depression, or drug abuse, that can contribute to their symptoms. These issues might need to be treated with other treatments before the symptoms of ADHD can be addressed.
The medications used to treat ADHD may have different names, but they all have the same active ingredient, methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is a fast-acting drug because it is released into the system within a short period of time. It can also have an immediate impact on mood. It is sometimes referred to Ritalin, although the same drug is available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer time and can exert an effect for up to four hours.
Because of the potential for misuse, stimulants are strictly controlled and only prescribed by a paediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrist (and sometimes GPs in exceptional circumstances). They are only prescribed as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
There is evidence to suggest that physical activity can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. Sleeping enough is essential. Encourage your adult or child to go to bed at a time that is reasonable and to stick to a consistent routine, especially during meal times. Refraining from drinking caffeinated drinks may help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate receptors in the brain, increasing the activity of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine or norepinephrine. They are involved in the functioning of the brain motivation, movement and. They are used to treat a wide range of conditions, but they are now mainly prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity. They are also abused for recreational purposes to improve athletic performance and to increase feelings of euphoria and energy.
They come in a variety of varieties, from a single tablet to extended-release capsules. The dosage is adapted according to the patient's age, weight as well as medical history and the effects of the medication. Children and adults alike can take these medications. Combining them with other medications can reduce side effects and help people to get through their day.
Stimulants are typically the first course of treatment for ADHD, and they are generally effective for most patients. It can take time to find the right dosage because every person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will be monitoring your or your child's bodily reactions until they find the dose that is effective and will continue to watch the effect over time to ensure that it is effective.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is the most effective way to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists, however, claim that stimulants can cause serious side effects such as addiction and cardiovascular issues as well as 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 network meta-analysis examined all available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of various drugs for ADHD in adults, ranging from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine and atomoxetine. This allowed researchers to compare the results of individual trials, even though they hadn't been directly tested against one another. Previous meta-analyses have only focused on certain groups of patients or a single drug.
The study concluded that methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were more effective than other medications in reducing ADHD symptoms. It recommended that these two should be first tried, and then switched to standard dexamfetamine if one doesn't work or isn't tolerated. The other two medications that you should think about are guanfacine and atomoxetine.
non stimulant adhd medication with ADHD also have co-existing anxiety or depression, and some ADHD medication side effects appear like the symptoms of other mental health disorders. If your adult or child is taking ADHD medication and you also see signs of anxiety or depression speak to your doctor immediately. You may need to change the medication or add something else to your treatment plan.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't usually prescribed for depression however they can be helpful for those who suffer from an underlying depression and ADHD. They help reduce depression symptoms, like fatigue and trouble concentration, and also help control ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Antidepressants are not typically used to treat ADHD. However, they can be helpful if stimulants fail to work or cause undesirable side effects. The most commonly used antidepressant drugs are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) however tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine and nortriptyline, are sometimes used to treat ADHD. The atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, wellbutrin) is also used to treat ADHD in adults and has been shown to improve the inattention and impulsivity.
Non-stimulant ADHD drugs are also available. They have a lower chance of abuse but can trigger agitation and insomnia in some people. They can also have other side effects, such as headaches and stomach upset. These medications can be prescribed in long-acting formulations or extended-release forms that last between six and 16 hours. This could decrease the fluctuation of levels of the drug within the body. Many people supplement a long-acting or extended-release medication taken in the morning with an instant-release dose that is taken from mid to late afternoon to cover times of the day when the first medication begins to wear off.
Therapy can help people break bad habits and gain new strategies for coping. BetterHelp is a service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists specializing in ADHD, depression and anxiety. The assessment can be completed in a matter of minutes and be matched to a therapist within 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant drugs are frequently used to treat ADHD symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of the class of antidepressants and function, in theory by increasing levels a chemical called norepinephrine. This helps nerves within the brain communicate with one another. This enhances concentration and decreases the frequency of impulses. They are also less likely to trigger negative side effects such as anxiety or insomnia than stimulant drugs.
Stimulant medication can cause undesirable side effects like stomach upset and changes in heartbeat or blood pressure. They may also cause the tics (spontaneous, repetitive vocal sounds or movements) more noticeable and bothersome. Children may also suffer from growth retardations and weight loss when they are taking stimulant drugs. These effects are usually short-lived, and the doctor will prescribe a dosage that is appropriate for you or your child.
Your child will need to be on medication for 3 to 4 weeks before you will notice a real improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will closely watch your child or you and adjust the dosage as needed. The issue can't be resolved by medication alone, so you should also discuss behavioral therapy with your child's doctor.
Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD, is not the only choice. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate drugs release the medication quickly into your system. They should be taken several times throughout the throughout the day. Long-acting methylphenidates, such as Evekeo or Ritalin SR release the medication gradually throughout the day. They are available as tablets that can be swallowed or 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 safer than amphetamines for younger people. They are less likely to cause addiction or heart problems. Amphetamines can last up to 16 hours and are stronger than methylphenidate. However they are more likely to cause heart problems.