ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medicine can make a big difference for most kids. But it's not right for everyone. Parents should weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully.
Stimulants are the most common medicines doctors prescribe for ADHD. They can decrease the intensity of hyperactivity, fidgeting, interrupting, and other symptoms. However, they can also trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness stomachaches, headaches and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost the activity of the peripheral and central nervous systems. They boost the transmission of brain signals, which allows people to focus better and improve their learning ability. They also improve efficiency, alertness, and the level of arousal, as well as reduce appetite. They can also cause side effects such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. The use of stimulants can treat a variety of ailments, but they are most often prescribed for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may have problems at school, work, or in their relationships. They tend to be indecisive and are unable to plan ahead. Their mood can also influence their behavior, for instance when they are angry or upset.
Medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to plan and stay on track with tasks, and manage their impulsive behavior. It's not a cure and a lot of people suffer from symptoms even after taking medication. Some people also have underlying issues that contribute to their symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. These issues could require additional therapies to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD.
The medications used to treat ADHD can have different names, but they all have the same active ingredient, Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is released into your body over a short amount of time, meaning it can have a quick effect on mood. It is sometimes referred to as Ritalin however, the same medication is 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 potential for abuse of stimulants, they must be strictly controlled and are only prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist (and sometimes GPs in special circumstances). They are only prescribed as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
There is some evidence that physical exercise can ease the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of natural brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. It is also essential to get enough rest. Encourage your child or yourself to fall asleep at a regular time and to stick to the same routine, particularly during meal times. Avoiding caffeinated drinks can also help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines trigger receptors in the brain and enhance the activity of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine and dopamine. They are involved in cognitive function, movement and motivation. They were used to treat various conditions, but are now prescribed for ADHD, obesity and narcolepsy. They are also used for recreational purposes to improve athletic performance as well as for feelings of euphoria or energy.
These drugs are available in a variety of forms, ranging from a single capsule to extending-release tablets. The dosage is typically determined by age and weight and medical background and how the drug affects the patient. They can be taken by children and adults. They are often used in conjunction with other medicines to reduce the effects of side effects or help to get through the day.
Stimulants are usually the first treatment option for ADHD and generally work for the majority of patients. It could take a while to find the correct dosage, as everyone reacts differently to medication. Your doctor will monitor your or your child's bodily reactions until they can find an effective dose, and they will continue to monitor the effect over time to make sure it's working.
Many experts believe that a combination treatment of medication and behavior therapy is the best choice to treat ADHD. However, some psychiatrists argue that stimulants are a prescription drug that is not enough and can cause serious side effects, like cardiovascular issues addiction, psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular problems like bipolar disorder. Some people have also reported tics or Tourette syndrome when taking stimulants.
A new study, referred to as a network meta-analysis, examined all available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of different drugs for ADHD for adults, from the methylphenidate drug to dextroamphetamine, atom. Researchers were able to compare the results from individual trials, even when they were not directly tested against each other. The previous meta-analyses only focused on specific groups of patients, or a single drug.
best medication for adhd concluded that all the drugs tested helped to reduce ADHD symptoms However, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were better than other drugs. The study recommended that these two medications be tested first, and then switch to dexamfetamine standard if they don't work. The other two medications to consider are atomoxetine or guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Many people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety or depression Some ADHD medication side effects look like the symptoms of other mental health conditions. Consult your physician if you notice symptoms of anxiety or depression in your child or adult who is taking ADHD medication. You might be required to add a different medication to your treatment regimen or change the medication.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't often prescribed by themselves for depression however they can be beneficial to those suffering from an underlying depression and ADHD. They can help alleviate depression-related symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty working, and help control ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Antidepressants are not typically used to treat ADHD. However they can be helpful when stimulants do not work or cause unwanted side effects. The most popular antidepressant medicines are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine and nortriptyline, are sometimes used to treat ADHD. The Atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, wellbutrin) is also sometimes used for ADHD in adults and has been proven to reduce impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available and typically have a lower chance of abuse, but they may cause problems with insomnia or agitation for some people. They can also cause negative effects, including stomach upsets and headaches. Doctors can prescribe long-acting extended-release formulations of these medications that last between six to 16 hours, and can slow the fluctuation of the levels of drugs in the body. Many people supplement a long-acting or extended-release medication in the morning with an immediate-release dose taken at mid to late afternoon to cover the times of day when the first medication begins to wear off.
Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and gain new coping strategies. BetterHelp is an online service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists specializing in ADHD, depression and anxiety. You can complete the assessment in just one minute and be matched with an therapist in just 48 hours.
Other medicines
Many people with ADHD take non-stimulant medicines to treat their symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of the class of antidepressants and work, in theory by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a chemical. This helps nerves in the brain communicate with one another. This enhances concentration and decreases the frequency of impulses. They are also less likely to cause adverse effects like insomnia or appetite suppression than stimulant drugs.
Stimulant medication can cause undesirable side effects like stomach upset or changes in heartbeat or blood pressure. They can also cause tics (spontaneous repeated movements or vocal noises) more apparent and irritating. In addition, stimulant medications can slow growth and lead to weight loss in certain children. These effects are temporary and your physician will prescribe the appropriate dosage for you or your children.
Your child will need to be on medication for a period of three to four weeks before you see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will monitor your or your child's progress closely and adjust the dosage when necessary. The medication alone will not solve the problem, so it's important to talk with your child's health professional about a behavioral therapy program as well.
Methylphenidate is the most common drug used to treat ADHD however, there are other types of stimulant medicine. Short-acting methylphenidate drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system, and they have to be taken multiple times throughout the day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines, such as Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. These medications are available in liquids tablets that can be chewed or swallowed and tablets that quickly dissolve (Evekeo ODt) which dissolve instantly in the mouth. Both forms of methylphenidate are similar to amphetamine but are generally regarded to be more safe for children than amphetamines. They are less likely to cause addiction and heart issues. Amphetamines can last for up to sixteen hours and are more potent than methylphenidate. However they are more likely to cause heart problems.