Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining therapy and medication can help manage ADHD. The brain is treated with medication, while therapy helps people develop techniques and manage.
Stimulants like methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine boost the levels of two chemical substances that transmit messages between cells within the brain. This can increase attention and impulse control. The stimulants can trigger negative side effects like loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first medications used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of norepinephrine and dopamine which help the brain function normally. These medications improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also improve interpersonal relationships, and help people complete tasks and become organized. But the effects won't last all day and they may cause serious negative side effects. Certain people, particularly those with a history of bipolar disorder or depression, can have personality changes when taking these medications. They might become more withdrawn or rigid and less talkative or show signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. They may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with a heart condition are at a higher risk of these side effects, and should be closely monitored by a doctor while taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants are available in two different dosages. The stimulants that reach their peak within a couple of hours should be taken twice a day. Long-acting drugs or ones with extended release function for 8 to 12 hours and should only be taken twice a week. Both kinds can have negative effects on appetite, growth, and sleep, so it's crucial to talk with your doctor about how the medication could affect you or your child prior to starting it.
Be patient. types of adhd medication may take some time to determine the most effective dosage and medication for someone with ADHD. Your doctor will test a variety of medications in small doses, to determine which one is able to control the symptoms the best and has the fewest adverse effects. They may have to adjust the dosage dependent on how you or your child reacts.
The side effects of ADHD medication can be uncomfortable or serious, but most disappear after a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite as well as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or clearing of the throat). Some children and teenagers who take stimulants might have a slower growth rate or a slight delay of their final height.
If you stop taking the medication and experience symptoms, they could come back. It is important to consult your physician to determine if it's better for you or your child to continue. You should also check in with your physician to make sure that the medication is working as it should and there aren't any side negative effects or issues.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD require more time to perform than stimulants, however they can improve concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although they don't have as much of a risk for abuse or dependence as stimulants do, they increase levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine within the brain.
Some states have laws that require doctors to monitor patients taking certain medications, which includes ADHD medicines. The law requires them to visit you or your child regularly whether in person or via phone, to make sure that the medication is effective and safe, and to determine how the person is doing. In addition to monitoring the effectiveness of your your child's ADHD medication, they can also look for other signs and symptoms of problems, including anxiety, depression or suicidal ideas.