ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child? ADHD medicine can make a huge difference for a lot of kids. It's not for all children. Parents must weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully. The most common medication prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They can help reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity fidgeting, agitation and other symptoms. They can also cause side-effects such as headaches and jitteriness. Stimulants Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. They boost the transmission of signals to the brain, allowing people to concentrate more effectively and increase their ability to learn. They also increase productivity, alertness, stimulation, and decrease appetite. However, they can trigger negative side effects such as an irregular heartbeat as well as high blood pressure. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions but they are often prescribed for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD might have issues at school, work or in their relationships. They tend to be impulsive and have trouble planning ahead. Their mood can also influence their behavior, like when they are angry or upset. The use of medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to plan and follow through with tasks, and manage their impulsive behaviors. However, it's not a cure for the condition, and many sufferers find that their symptoms persist even when taking medication. Certain people also have other issues that cause their symptoms, including depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. These issues may need to be treated with other treatments before the symptoms of ADHD are able to be eliminated. Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in all ADHD medications. 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 also known as Ritalin. However it is possible to be purchased under the brand name Ritalin LA. This medication is released over a longer time and can last for a long time. Due to the possibility of abuse of stimulants, they are tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist (and sometimes GPs under special circumstances). They are prescribed only as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. There is evidence that suggests physical activity can alleviate ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Getting enough sleep is also crucial. Encourage your child or yourself to fall asleep at a time that is reasonable and to stick to the same routine, particularly during meal times. Avoiding drinks that contain caffeine can aid in reducing stress. Amphetamines Amphetamines activate receptors in the brain and increase the activity of neurotransmitters including dopamine and norepinephrine. They are involved in cognitive functioning, movement and motivation. They were used to treat a variety of conditions, but are now prescribed mainly for ADHD, obesity and the condition known as narcolepsy. They are also abused for recreational purposes to improve athletic performance and to increase feelings of euphoria and energy. The drugs are available in different types, ranging from one capsule to extended-release tablets. The dosage is adapted 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. They are often combined with other medications to minimize adverse effects or to help people get through the day. Stimulants are typically the first option for treating ADHD and are generally effective. It may take some time to find the right dosage since every person reacts differently to the medication. Your health care professional will be monitoring your or your child's bodily reactions until they discover a dose that works and will continue to monitor the effects over time to make sure it is effective. Many experts believe that a combination of behavior therapy and medication is the best method to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists believe that stimulants could cause severe side effects like addiction and cardiovascular issues as well as psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Full Post 've also been linked with the tics and Tourette syndrome in some people. A new study, known as a network meta-analysis examined all available evidence about the effectiveness and safety of different drugs for ADHD in adults, from dextroamphetamine to methylphenidate and atomox. This allowed researchers to evaluate the results of different trials, even though they had not been tested directly against each other. Meta-analyses of the past have focused on certain groups of patients or only one drug. The study found that all the drugs tested were effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, but lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were more effective than other medications. The study suggested that these two drugs be first tried and then switched to the standard dexamfetamine if they aren't working. The other two medications that you should look into are atomoxetine or guanfacine. Antidepressants Some ADHD medication side effects resemble the symptoms of anxiety or depression. If your child or adult is taking ADHD medication, and you notice signs of anxiety or depression speak to your doctor immediately. You might need to add another medication to your treatment regimen or change the medication. They aren't usually prescribed for only depression but they can be beneficial for people who have both depression and ADHD. They help to reduce depression symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty working while reducing ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Antidepressants typically do not treat ADHD. However, they can be helpful if stimulants fail to work or cause unwanted adverse effects. The most common antidepressants are SSRIs, also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine are often prescribed to treat ADHD. Adults with ADHD are also treated with the atypical antidepressant, bupropion. It has been proven to reduce impulsivity and improve inattention. Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available. They have a lower abuse risk however, they can cause insomnia and agitation in certain people. They may also cause other side effects, such as stomach upset and headaches. These medications are usually prescribed in long-acting formulations or extended-release forms that last between six and 16 hours. This could lower the fluctuations in levels of drugs in the body. Many people start their day with a dose of a long-acting extended-release medication, and then take an immediate-release dosage in the mid-to-late afternoon to cover the times when the first medication begins to fade. Therapy can help people break bad habits and gain new strategies for coping. BetterHelp is a service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in ADHD depression, anxiety and ADHD. It takes only a minute to take a test, and you'll be matched with an therapist in as little as 48 hours. Other medications Non-stimulant drugs are frequently employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These medicines include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of the antidepressant family and work, in theory, by increasing levels of a chemical called norepinephrine. This assists the brain's nerves to pass messages to each other which improves concentration and reduces the impulsiveness. They are also less likely to trigger adverse effects like sleepiness or appetite suppression than stimulant medications. Some stimulants can cause unpleasant side effects, including an upset stomach and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. They can also cause the tics (spontaneous repeated movements or vocal noises) more noticeable and annoying. The stimulant medications can also slow growth and cause weight loss in certain children. These effects last for a short time and your physician will prescribe the correct dosage for your child or you. You will not see any significant improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you've been taking the medication for at least three to four weeks. The doctor will closely monitor your child or you and adjust the dosage if needed. The issue can't be resolved through medication alone, so you should discuss the possibility of behavioral therapy with your child's physician. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD but it's not the only choice. Short-acting methylphenidate medicines like Adderall and Ritalin release the medication quickly into your system, and they have to be taken multiple times a day. Long-acting methylphenidate medications, such as Evekeo or Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available as 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 considered more safe for children than amphetamines. They are also less likely to cause heart issues and addiction. Amphetamines can be a bit stronger than methylphenidate and may last up to 16 hours, but they're more likely to cause heart problems.
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