Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining medication and therapy can help control ADHD. The medication treats the brain while therapy helps patients cope and learn skills.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, increase levels of two chemicals in the brain that transmit messages between cells. This increases attention and impulse control. The stimulants can trigger side effects such as an increase in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase of heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first treatment tried for ADHD. They boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which aids the brain to function normally. These medications improve focus and reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity and fidgeting. They can also assist people organize their lives, complete tasks and enhance relationships. The effects aren't long-lasting and can have severe side-effects. These drugs can cause personality changes in some people, particularly those with a history of bipolar disorder or depression. They may become withdrawn or rigid, less talkative and spontaneous or exhibit signs of obsessive compulsive disorders. They may also raise blood pressure and heartbeat. People who have a heart condition are at a higher risk of these adverse effects and should be monitored closely by a doctor while taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants can be found in two doses. The stimulants that reach their peak within a few hours have to be taken two times a day. Long-acting drugs or ones with extended release function for between 8 and 12 hours and can only be taken once per week. just click the next web page can have negative effects on sleep, appetite and growth. Talk to your doctor prior to taking either one of these types about possible adverse effects.
Be patient. It may take time to find the best medication and dosage for someone who has ADHD. Your doctor will test different medications in small amounts to determine which ones manage the symptoms best and have the fewest side negative effects. They may need to adjust the dose as well, depending on how your child or you responds.
The negative effects of ADHD medication can be severe or a nuisance, but they usually go away within several weeks or days as your body gets familiar with the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite as well as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and tics (sudden repetition of motions or sounds that sound like eye blinking or throat clearing). Children and adolescents who take stimulants may suffer from a slower growth and a slight delay in their final height.
Symptoms can return if the medication is discontinued, so it's important to discuss with your doctor whether it's right for you or your child to continue taking the medication. You should also check in with your doctor to ensure that the medication is working as it should and that there are no adverse negative effects or issues.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications require longer time to work however they can help improve attention as well as reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Although they don't have the same potential for dependence or abuse as stimulants do, they do increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients who are taking certain medication. This includes ADHD medications. These laws require doctors to see you or your child regularly in person or by phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective, and to assess the person's development. In addition, to monitoring the effectiveness of your your child's ADHD medication, they may also be looking for other signs and symptoms of issues, such as anxiety, depression or suicidal ideas.