ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a significant impact on the lives of children. It's not for everyone. Parents need to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully.
The most frequently prescribed medication by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They can help reduce hyperactivity, interrupting fidgeting, and other signs. They can also trigger side effects like jitteriness and headaches.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that increase the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They enhance the transmission of signals in the brain which allows people to concentrate more effectively and increase their ability to learn. They also increase efficiency, alertness, and arousal, and reduce appetite. They can also trigger negative side effects like an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. The use of stimulants can treat a variety of conditions but they are often prescribed for ADHD. People with ADHD are often faced with difficulties at school, at work as well as in their relationships. They are typically indecisive and have trouble making plans. Their mood can affect their behavior, for instance when they are angry or upset.
Treatment can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to plan and follow through with tasks, as well as manage their impulsive behaviors. It's not a cure for the condition, and many sufferers continue to have symptoms even though they are taking medication. Certain people suffer from underlying issues, such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs, which can cause symptoms. These issues could require additional treatments to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is the main ingredient in all ADHD medications. Methylphenidate is released into your body in a brief amount of time, so it is able to work quickly and have a quick effect on mood. It is sometimes referred to Ritalin but the same medication is available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer period and can exert an effect lasting up to four hours.
Because of adhd medication uk for abuse, stimulants are tightly controlled and can only be prescribed by a pediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrist (and occasionally, GPs in certain situations). They are usually only recommended as a last resort after all other treatments have been exhausted.
There is evidence that physical exercise can help ease the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Getting enough sleep is also important. Encourage your child or yourself to go to sleep at a time that is reasonable and to adhere to an established routine, especially during meal times. Refraining from drinking caffeinated drinks may help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines trigger receptors in the brain, thereby increasing the activity of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine. These are involved with cognitive function as well as motivation and movement. They were previously used to treat many ailments, but are now prescribed mostly for ADHD, obesity and narcolepsy. They can also be used as a recreational drug to improve athletic performance and for feelings of euphoria or energy.
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 can be taken by children and adults. They are often used in conjunction with other medications to lessen adverse effects or to help people get through the day.
Stimulants are often the first treatment for ADHD and are usually effective. They may take a while to find the right dose because every person reacts differently to the medication. Your health care provider will be monitoring your or your child's bodily reactions until they find a dose that works, and they will monitor the effects over time to ensure that it is working.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavior therapy and medication is the best treatment for ADHD. However, some psychiatrists argue that stimulants are a prescription drug that is not enough and have potentially dangerous side effects, including cardiovascular problems addiction, psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular problems like bipolar disorder. Some have also reported symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome while taking stimulants.
A new study referred to as an "network meta-analysis" examined all the available evidence of the effectiveness and safety for ADHD in adults of different drugs, ranging from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine, as well as the atomoxetine. Researchers were able to compare results from individual trials, even though they had not been directly compared against one another. Previous meta-analyses have only focused on specific groups of patients, or only one drug.
The study found that all the drugs tested were effective in reducing ADHD symptoms however methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were more effective than other medications. The study recommended that these two medications be tried first and then switch to the standard dexamfetamine if they don't work. The other two medications that you should consider are guanfacine and atomoxetine.
Antidepressants
Many people with ADHD also have co-existing depression or anxiety, and some ADHD medication side effects can look like the symptoms of other mental health issues. Consult your physician when you observe symptoms of anxiety or depression in your child or adult who is taking ADHD medication. You may need to change the dosage or add a different medication to your treatment plan.
They are not usually prescribed for depression alone but they can be beneficial for those who have both depression and ADHD. They can help alleviate depression-related symptoms, like fatigue and trouble concentrating, while helping to control ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Antidepressants do not usually treat ADHD. However they can be helpful in the event that stimulants fail to function or cause unwanted adverse side effects. Antidepressants are typically SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters. However, tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline and imipramine are often prescribed to treat ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are also treated by taking the atypical antidepressant bupropion. It has been proven to decrease impulsivity and improve inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available. They have a lower abuse risk, but can cause insomnia and agitation in certain people. They may also cause other negative effects, including stomach upset and headaches. These medications can be prescribed in extended-release formulations or long-acting forms that last between six to 16 hours. This can lower the fluctuations in levels of drugs in the body. Many people supplement a longer-acting or extended-release medication taken in the morning with an instant-release dose that is taken from mid to late afternoon to cover the periods of the day when first medication starts wearing off.
Therapy can complement medications for ADHD by teaching people new strategies for coping and helping them break bad habits. BetterHelp is a service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists specializing in ADHD depression, anxiety and ADHD. You can take the assessment in just a minute and be matched to an therapist in just 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant drugs are frequently used to treat ADHD symptoms. These include atomoxetine also known as Strattera and viloxazine known as Qelbree. These antidepressants work in theory by increasing the levels norepinephrine. This helps nerves in the brain communicate with each other. This enhances concentration and decreases the frequency of impulses. They are less likely to experience side effects like sleepiness or appetite suppression when in comparison to stimulant drugs.
Stimulant medications can cause undesirable side effects like an upset stomach, changes in heart rate or blood pressure. They can also cause the tics (spontaneous repeated movements or vocal sounds) more noticeable and annoying. Some children may also suffer from growth and weight loss when taking stimulant medications. These effects last for a short time and your doctor will prescribe the right dosage for you or your children.
There will be no real improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you have been taking the medication for three to four weeks. The doctor will closely watch your child or you and adjust the dosage as needed. The problem won't be solved through medication alone, so you should discuss behavioral therapy with your child's physician.
Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD but it's not the only choice. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medications release the medication quickly into your system. They should be taken several times a day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines like Evekeo or Ritalin SR, release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available as liquids, tablets that can either be chewed or swallowed and tablets that quickly dissolve (Evekeo ODt) that dissolve instantly in the mouth. The two methylphenidate types, while similar to amphetamines are generally considered to be safer than amphetamines in young people. They are also less likely to cause heart issues and addiction. Amphetamines are a little more potent than methylphenidate, and can last up to 16 hours, but they're less likely to cause heart problems.