ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a significant difference for the majority of children. But it's not the best choice for all children. Parents need to weigh the pros and cons with care.
The most frequently prescribed medication by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. They can reduce the intensity of hyperactivity, fidgeting, interrupting and other symptoms. But they can also cause negative side effects such as jitteriness stomachaches, headaches, and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. They boost the transmission of brain signals which helps people concentrate better and improves their learning ability. They also improve productivity, alertness and the level of arousal, and also reduce appetite. They can also cause adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. Stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD however, they can also be used for a variety circumstances. People suffering from ADHD can suffer from problems at school, at work as well as in their relationships. They are often unpredictable and have difficulty planning ahead. Their behavior can be affected by their moods and mood, for example, being extremely angry or irritable.
The use of medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to plan and stay on track on tasks, and also manage their impulsive behaviors. It's not a cure, and a lot of people experience symptoms even when taking medication. Some people also have underlying issues that cause their symptoms, like anxiety, depression, or drug addiction. These issues may require additional treatments to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in all ADHD medication. Methylphenidate enters the body in a brief amount of time, which means it is able to work quickly and have a quick effect on mood. It is also referred to as Ritalin. However the same medication can be purchased under the brand name Ritalin LA. This medication is released over a longer time and can have a lasting effect.
Because of the risk of misuse, stimulants are strictly controlled and can only be prescribed by a paediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrist (and occasionally, GPs in certain circumstances). They are prescribed only as a last option, after all other options have been exhausted.
Some evidence suggests that physical activity can reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. It is also crucial to get enough rest. Encourage your adult or child to sleep at a time that is reasonable and stick to a regular routine, especially for meals. Avoiding drinks that contain caffeine can help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines activate receptors in the brain that enhance the activity of neurotransmitters including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are involved with cognitive function motivation, movement and. They were prescribed to treat many diseases, but they are now prescribed for ADHD and obesity, as well as the condition known as narcolepsy. Also, they are abused recreationally to enhance athletic performance and feel euphoria.
These drugs come in many forms, from tablets to extended-release capsules. The dosage is adjusted according to the patient's weight, age as well as medical history and the effects of the drug. They are available for children and adults. adhd medication ritalin are often combined with other medications to minimize adverse effects or to help people get through the day.
Stimulants are usually the first course of treatment for ADHD, and they are generally effective in most patients. It may take some time to determine the right dosage, as every person reacts differently to medications. Your doctor will be monitoring the body reactions of you or your child until they find the right dose. They will then continue to monitor it over time to ensure that it is effective.
Many experts believe that a mix treatment with medication and behavioral therapy is the best choice to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists, however, claim that stimulants can cause severe side effects like addiction and cardiovascular problems, and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. They've also been linked with the tics and Tourette syndrome in some people.
A new study referred to as a "network meta-analysis" looked at all available evidence of the efficacy and safety of ADHD in adults who take various drugs, from methylphenidate, to dextroamphetamine and the atomoxetine. This allowed researchers to evaluate the results of different studies, even though they hadn't been directly tested against each other. The previous meta-analyses only focused on specific groups of patients, or only one drug.
The study showed that methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were more effective than other medications in reducing ADHD symptoms. It was suggested that these two be considered first, and then switched to standard dexamfetamine if either does not work or isn't a good fit. The other two drugs you should consider are guanfacine or atomoxetine.
Antidepressants
Many people with ADHD may also suffer from anxiety or depression and some ADHD medication side effects appear like symptoms from other mental health conditions. If your adult or child is taking ADHD medication and you notice signs of depression or anxiety consult your physician immediately. You might need to add another medication to your treatment regimen or modify the medication.
They are not usually prescribed for depression alone, but can be beneficial for people who have both depression and ADHD. They help reduce depression symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating, while helping to manage ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Antidepressants aren't typically used to treat ADHD, but they can be beneficial if stimulants do not perform or have undesirable adverse effects. The most popular antidepressant medicines are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) however tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline and imipramine, are sometimes used to treat ADHD. The atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is also sometimes employed to treat ADHD in adults and has been proven to reduce impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available, and typically have a lower risk of abuse, however they may cause problems with insomnia or agitation for certain people. Other adverse effects could include headaches and stomach upset. These medications are usually prescribed in long-acting or extended-release forms that last between six and 16 hours. This can reduce the fluctuations of levels of drugs in the body. Many people take a morning dose of a long-acting extended-release medication, and then consume an immediate-release dosage in the afternoon, mid-to-late afternoon, to cover times when the initial medication starts to wear off.
adhd treatment medication can be a complement to treatments for ADHD by helping people learn new strategies for coping and helping them break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed certified, accredited therapists that are experts in a variety of subjects, including ADHD and depression, anxiety, and relationships. You can take the assessment in a matter of minutes and then be matched with an therapist within just 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant drugs are frequently used to manage ADHD symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These are antidepressants that function in theory by increasing the levels norepinephrine. This helps nerves within the brain communicate with each other. This increases concentration and decreases impulses. They are less likely to experience side effects like insomnia or appetite suppression as compared to stimulant medication.
Stimulant medications can have some unpleasant side effects, including stomach upset and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also make the tics (spontaneous repeated vocal sounds or movements) more noticeable and bothersome. Some children may also suffer from weight loss and growth delays when taking stimulant medication. These effects are temporary and your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage for you or your children.
Your child will need to be on medication for 3 to 4 weeks before you can see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will monitor your or your child's progress closely and adjust the dosage if necessary. The problem won't be solved with medication alone, therefore you should also discuss behavior therapy with your child's doctor.
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD, is not the only alternative. Short-acting methylphenidate drugs like Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system, and they have to be taken multiple times per day. Long-acting methylphenidate medications like Evekeo or Ritalin SR, release the medication slowly throughout the day. These medications are available in liquids, tablets that can either be swallowed or crushed, and tablets that are quick-dissolve (Evekeo ODt) that dissolve instantly in the mouth. Both of these types of methylphenidate have a similar structure to amphetamine but are generally regarded to be more safe for children 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 issues.