ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medicine can make a huge difference for a lot of kids. It's not 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 help reduce hyperactivity, interrupting fidgeting, agitation and other symptoms. However, they can also trigger side effects like jitteriness, stomachaches, headaches and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. They enhance the transmission of signals to the brain, allowing people to concentrate more effectively and increase their ability to learn. They also improve productivity, alertness, the level of arousal, as well as reduce appetite. However, they can trigger adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat as well as high blood pressure. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions however, they are most often prescribed for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may experience difficulties at work, school or in their relationships. They tend to be impulsive and have trouble planning ahead. Their behavior can be influenced by their mood and mood, for example, being extremely irritable or angry.
Medication can improve the capacity of people suffering from ADHD to plan, follow through on tasks, and manage their impulsive behaviors. It is not a cure and a lot of people suffer from symptoms even after taking medication. Certain people also have other issues that contribute to their symptoms, including depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. These issues could need to be treated with other treatments before the symptoms of ADHD can be addressed.
Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in all ADHD medication. adhd stimulant medication has a rapid effect because it is released into the system within a short period of time. It can also have an immediate effect on mood. It is sometimes called Ritalin, although 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 lasting up to four hours.
Due to the risk of misuse of stimulants, they are strictly controlled and only prescribed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician (and sometimes, GPs in certain circumstances). They are generally only recommended as a last resort after all other treatment options have been exhausted.
There is evidence that physical exercise can ease the symptoms of ADHD by increasing levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. It is also important to get enough rest. Encourage your adult or child to go to bed at a reasonable hour and stick to a regular routine, especially during meal times. Refraining from drinking caffeinated drinks may aid.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate receptors in the brain, which increase the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They are involved in cognitive functioning, movement and motivation. They are used to treat a broad variety of illnesses however, they are currently mainly prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity. They are also used as a recreational drug to boost athletic performance and to increase feelings of euphoria and energy.
These drugs are available in different types, ranging from a single capsule to extending-release tablets. The dosage is adapted according to the patient's age, weight as well as medical history and the effects of the medication. They are available for adults and children. Combining them with other medications can reduce side effects and help people get through their day.
Stimulants are typically the first line of treatment for ADHD and are effective in most cases. It could take a while to find the correct dosage because every person reacts differently to medications. Your doctor will observe the body reactions of you or your child until they find the right dose. They will continue to monitor the dosage over time to ensure that it is working.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavior therapy and medication is the most effective way to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists, however, claim that stimulants can cause serious side effects such as addiction and cardiovascular issues as well as psychiatric disorders, like bipolar disorder. Some have also reported tics or Tourette syndrome while taking stimulants.
A new study, referred to as a network meta-analysis examined all available evidence about the effectiveness and safety of different drugs for ADHD for adults, from dextroamphetamine to methylphenidate and atomox. Researchers were able to compare the results from individual studies, even when they were not directly tested against each other. Meta-analyses of the past have focused on certain groups of patients or just one drug.
The study concluded that methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were more effective than other medications in decreasing ADHD symptoms. It recommended that these two should be tried first, then switched to standard dexamfetamine if either does not work or isn't a good fit. Two other medications you should think about are atomoxetine or guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Some ADHD medication side effects are similar to the symptoms of anxiety or depression. Consult your physician when you observe signs of depression or anxiousness in your child or adult who is taking ADHD medication. You may need to add another medication to your treatment plan, or change the medication.
They are not typically prescribed for depression alone, but can be beneficial for people who suffer from both depression and ADHD. They help reduce depression symptoms, like fatigue and trouble working, and help manage ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Antidepressants typically do not treat ADHD. However they can be beneficial in the event that stimulants fail to function or cause undesirable adverse side effects. Antidepressants are most commonly SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline and imipramine are often prescribed to treat ADHD. Adults with ADHD can also be treated with an antidepressant that is atypical, bupropion. It has been proven to reduce impulsivity and improve attention.
Non-stimulant ADHD drugs are also available. They have a lower chance of abuse but can trigger insomnia and agitation in certain people. Other adverse effects could include stomach upset and headaches. Doctors can prescribe long-acting extended-release formulations of these medications that last between six to 16 hours and can reduce the fluctuations of the 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 dose in the afternoon, mid-to-late afternoon, to cover the times when the first medication begins to wear off.
Therapy can complement medications for ADHD by teaching people new coping techniques and helping people break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects people with licensed certified, accredited therapists who specialize in a wide range of topics including ADHD and depression, anxiety and relationships. It takes only a minute to complete an assessment and you'll be matched to the right therapist in as short as 48 hours.
Other medications
Many people suffering from ADHD take non-stimulant medicines to help manage their symptoms. These medicines include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These are antidepressants that work in theory by increasing levels of norepinephrine. This assists the brain's nerves to pass messages to each other which improves focus and reduces impulsiveness. They are less likely to suffer side effects like insomnia or appetite suppression in comparison to stimulant drugs.
Stimulant medications can have some unpleasant side effects, including an upset stomach and changes to blood pressure or heart rate. They may also make tics (spontaneous repeated movements or vocal sounds) more apparent and uncomfortable. In addition, stimulant medications can slow growth and lead to weight loss in some children. These effects are usually temporary, and your doctor will prescribe a dosage that is right for your child or you.
Your child should be on medication for 3 to 4 weeks before you see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will be monitoring your or your child's progress closely and adjust the dosage when necessary. The problem can't be solved with medication alone, therefore you must also discuss the issue 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 drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system, and they have to be taken multiple times per day. Long-acting methylphenidate medications, 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 are quick-dissolve (Evekeo ODt) which dissolve instantly in the mouth. These two types of methylphenidate, while similar to amphetamines, are generally considered safer than amphetamines in young people. They are less likely to cause addiction and heart problems. Amphetamines are slightly more potent than methylphenidate, and can last for as long as 16 hours, but they're more likely to lead to heart problems.