What Is ADHD And Medication And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge difference for most kids. But it's not the best choice for everyone. Parents should weigh the pros and cons with care.
The most frequently prescribed medication by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They can cut down on hyperactivity, interrupting, fidgeting and other signs. However, adhd medications can also trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, stomachaches, headaches, and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost the activity of the peripheral and central nervous system. They boost the transmission of signals within the brain and help people focus better and increase their ability to learn. They also boost productivity, alertness, and arousal, and reduce appetite. They can also cause negative side effects like an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. The use of stimulants is prescribed to treat ADHD however, they can also be used to treat a variety of conditions. People suffering from ADHD may have problems at school, work or in their relationships. They are often overly emotional and have difficulty making plans. Their mood can affect their behavior, for instance when they are angry or frustrated.
Treatment can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to plan and follow through with tasks, and manage their impulsive behaviors. It's not a cure and many people still suffer from symptoms even after taking medication. Some people have underlying issues, like anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs, which may contribute to their symptoms. These issues could require additional therapies to resolve the symptoms of ADHD.
The medications used to treat ADHD can have different names, however they all have the same active ingredient: the methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is released into your body in a brief amount of time, which means it can be a rapid effect on mood. It is also known as Ritalin. However, the same medicine can be purchased under the brand name Ritalin LA. This medication is released over a longer period of time and can be a long-lasting effect.
Due to the potential for misuse of stimulants, they are strictly controlled and are only prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist (and sometimes GPs under special circumstances). They are only prescribed as a last option, after all other options have been exhausted.
Some research suggests that physical exercise can help alleviate ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. It is also crucial to get enough sleep. Encourage your child or adult to go to bed at a regular time and to stick to a consistent routine, especially for meal times. Avoiding drinks that contain caffeine can help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines trigger receptors in the brain that increase the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These are involved in cognitive functioning, movement and motivation. They were previously used to treat various ailments, but are now prescribed mainly for ADHD, obesity and Narcolepsy. They are also used as a recreational drug to improve athletic performance and to increase feelings of euphoria and energy.
The drugs are available in a variety of forms, ranging from one capsule to extended-release tablets. The dosage is adjusted according to the patient's age, weight as well as medical history and the effects of the drug. They can be taken by both children and adults. Combining them with other medications can lessen side effects and help people get through their day.
Stimulants are often the first option for treating ADHD and are effective in most cases. It may take some time to find the right dose since every person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will monitor the body reactions of you or your child until they determine the appropriate dosage. They will then continue to monitor the dosage for a period of time to ensure it is functioning properly.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is the best way to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists, however, claim that stimulants can cause serious side effects, such as addiction and cardiovascular issues, and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. There have been reports of symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome after taking stimulants.
A new study, dubbed"network meta-analysis "network meta-analysis" examined all the available evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of ADHD in adults who take various medications, ranging from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Researchers were able to compare results from individual trials even although they were not directly compared against one another. Previous meta-analyses have only looked at specific groups of patients or a single drug.
The study concluded that all the medications studied aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, but lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were superior to other drugs. The study recommended that these two drugs be tried first before switching to dexamfetamine standard if don't work. The other two drugs you should think about are guanfacine and atomoxetine.
Antidepressants
Some ADHD medication side effects are similar to the symptoms of anxiety or depression. Consult your physician if you notice signs of anxiety or depression in your child or adult who is taking ADHD medication. You may need to change the dosage or add something else to your treatment plan.
They aren't usually prescribed for depression alone but they can be beneficial for those who have both depression and ADHD. They help reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and difficulty working, and help control ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Antidepressants aren't typically used to treat ADHD however, they may be helpful if stimulants don't perform or have undesirable adverse effects. Antidepressants are most commonly SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine or nortriptyline are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are also treated with the atypical antidepressant, bupropion. It has been proven to reduce impulsivity and improve attention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available. They have a lower abuse risk however, they can cause agitation and insomnia in some people. They may also cause other side effects, such as stomach upset and headaches. These medications are available in long-acting or extended-release forms that last between six and 16 hours. This may decrease the fluctuation of drug levels within the body. Many people take a long-acting or extended-release medication taken in the morning with an immediate-release dose taken at mid to late afternoon to cover times of the day when the first medication starts wearing off.
Therapy can be a complement to medications for ADHD by helping people learn new coping techniques and helping them break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in ADHD depression, anxiety and ADHD. It takes just one minute to take an assessment, and you'll be matched with an therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medications are commonly employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine also known as Strattera and viloxazine, which is known as Qelbree. These are antidepressants that are believed to work by increasing the levels norepinephrine. This helps nerves in the brain transmit messages to one another which improves focus and reduces impulsiveness. They are also less likely to cause side effects such as insomnia or appetite suppression as stimulant medications.
The use of stimulants can trigger unpleasant side effects, such as an upset stomach, changes in heart rate or blood pressure. They can also make tics (spontaneous repetition of movements or vocal sounds) more noticeable and bothersome. In addition, stimulant medications can slow growth and lead to weight loss in certain children. These effects are usually short-lived, and the doctor will prescribe a dose that is appropriate for your child or you.
Your child will need to be on medication for three to four weeks before you see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will monitor your child or you and adjust the dosage as necessary. The issue can't be resolved with medication alone, therefore you should discuss the possibility of behavioral therapy with your child's doctor.
Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD however, is not the only option. Short-acting methylphenidate medicines like Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system, and they must be taken several times throughout the day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines, such as Evekeo and Ritalin SR, release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available in tablets that can be swallowed or crushed, as liquids and as quick-dissolve tablets that dissolve in the mouth (Evekeo ODT). The two methylphenidate types are similar to amphetamines, but are generally considered to be safer than amphetamines in young people. They are also less likely to cause heart problems and addiction. Amphetamines can be a bit stronger than methylphenidate and can last up to 16 hours, but they're more likely to cause heart issues.