ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge impact on the majority of kids. But it's not right for all children. Parents should weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Stimulants are the most common medications prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They can cut down on excessive stimulation, interruptions fidgeting, and other signs. They can also trigger side effects like headaches and jitteriness.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the peripheral and central nervous system. They improve the transmission of signals within the brain and help people concentrate better and improve their ability to learn. They also improve productivity, alertness and arousal and reduce appetite. However, they can also cause adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat as well as high blood pressure. Stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD, but can be used to treat various conditions. People suffering from ADHD may have problems at work, school or in their relationships. They tend to be impulsive, and have difficulty planning ahead. Their mood can influence their behavior, like when they are angry or frustrated.
Medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to plan and stay on track with tasks, as well as manage their impulsive behaviors. But it is not an effective treatment for the condition, and a lot of people find that symptoms persist even when taking medication. Some people have underlying issues, such as anxiety, depression, or drug abuse, which may contribute to their symptoms. These issues could require additional therapies to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in all ADHD medications. Methylphenidate is released into your body in a brief amount of time, which means it is able to work quickly and have a quick effect 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 have a lasting effect.
Because of the potential for abuse, stimulants are closely controlled and are only prescribed by a paediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrist (and occasionally GPs in special circumstances). They are prescribed only as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
There is some evidence that physical exercise can ease the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. Getting enough sleep is also crucial. Encourage your child or yourself to fall asleep at a regular time and to follow an established routine, especially during meal times. Avoiding drinks that contain caffeine can aid in reducing stress.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines trigger receptors in the brain that enhance the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These are involved in cognitive functioning as well as motivation, movement and. They have been used to treat a broad variety of ailments however, they are currently mostly prescribed for ADHD as well as narcolepsy and obesity. They are also used recreationally to enhance the performance of athletes and to feel euphoric.
These drugs come in many forms, ranging from one tablet to extended-release capsules. The dosage is usually adjusted to suit age and weight and medical history and how the drug affects the patient. They can be used by adults and children. Combining them with other medications can lessen the effects of side effects and help patients get through their day.
Stimulants are often the initial course of treatment for ADHD, and they are generally effective for most patients. It can take time to determine the appropriate dose because every person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will be monitoring the body reactions of your child or you until they find the right dose. They will continue to monitor the dosage over time to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Many experts believe that a mix treatment with medication and behavioral therapy is the best choice to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists believe that stimulants could cause serious side effects, such as addiction and cardiovascular issues as well as psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Some people have also reported symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome when taking stimulants.
A new study, known as a network meta-analysis examined all available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of different drugs for ADHD in adults, ranging from dextroamphetamine to methylphenidate and atomox. Researchers could compare results from individual trials, even although they were not directly tested 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 medications studied aid in reducing ADHD symptoms However, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were better than other drugs. It was recommended that these two drugs be considered first, and then switch to the regular dexamfetamine in the event that one of them doesn't work or isn't tolerated. The other two options to consider are atomoxetine or Guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Certain ADHD medication side effects can resemble the symptoms of depression or anxiety. If adhd medication pregnancy or child is taking ADHD medication, and you are also noticing signs of depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor right away. It may be necessary to modify the dosage or add another medication to your treatment plan.
Stimulants used for ADHD aren't typically prescribed on their own for depression however they can be beneficial to those who suffer from an underlying depression and ADHD. They help to reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and trouble working while reducing ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants are not typically used to treat ADHD. However they can be beneficial in the event that stimulants fail to function or cause unwanted adverse effects. The most popular antidepressant medicines are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) however tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine, are sometimes used to treat ADHD. The Atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is also commonly used to treat ADHD in adults and has been proven to improve the inattention and impulsivity.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available and typically have a lower chance of abuse, but they could cause problems with insomnia or agitation for certain people. They can also have other negative effects, including stomach upset and headaches. Doctors can prescribe long-acting or extended-release formulations of these drugs which last between six to 16 hours and can slow the fluctuation of the levels of drugs in the body. Many people supplement a long-acting or extended-release medication taken in the morning with an immediate-release dose taken at mid to late afternoon to cover periods of the day when first medication begins to wear off.
Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and develop new ways to cope. BetterHelp is a service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists that specialize in ADHD as well as depression and anxiety. You can take the assessment in a matter of minutes and then be matched with a therapist within 48 hours.
Other medications
Non-stimulant medications are commonly employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of the class of antidepressants and work, in theory by increasing levels norepinephrine, a chemical. This helps nerves in the brain transmit messages to each other which improves focus and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They are less likely to have negative effects such as insomnia or appetite suppression compared to stimulant medications.
Some stimulants can cause undesirable side effects, such as an upset stomach as well as changes to heart rate or blood pressure. They may also cause tics (spontaneous, repetitive vocal sounds or movements) more noticeable and bothersome. Children may also suffer from growth retardations and weight loss when taking stimulant medications. These effects are usually short-lived, and your doctor will prescribe the dosage that is appropriate for your child or you.
You won't see any real improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you've been taking the medication for a minimum of three to four weeks. The doctor will monitor your your child's progress closely and adjust the dose when necessary. The problem won't be solved with medication alone, therefore you must also discuss the issue of the possibility of behavioral therapy with your child's doctor.
Methylphenidate is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD, but there are many other kinds of stimulant medicines. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate drugs release the medication quickly into your system. They should be taken several times throughout the throughout the day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines like Evekeo or Ritalin SR, release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available in tablets that can be swallowed or crushed, as liquids, and as tablets that quickly dissolve in the mouth (Evekeo ODT). Both types of methylphenidate are similar to amphetamine but are generally regarded as safer for children than amphetamines. They are less likely to cause addiction or heart issues. Amphetamines are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last for up to 16 hours, but they're much more likely to cause heart issues.