ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge difference for the majority children. It's not for everyone. Parents need to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully.
The most common medication prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity, fidgeting and interrupting and other signs. But they can also cause side effects like jitteriness, headaches, stomachaches and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. They improve the transmission of signals to the brain, allowing people to concentrate better and improve their ability to learn. They also boost productivity, alertness, and arousal and reduce appetite. They can also cause adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. The use of stimulants is to treat ADHD, but can be used to treat various ailments. People who suffer from ADHD can suffer from problems at school, work, and in their relationships. They are often overly emotional and have difficulty planning ahead. Their mood can affect their behaviour, such as 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. However, it isn't a cure for the condition. Many sufferers find that their symptoms persist even when taking medication. Certain people also have other issues that contribute to their symptoms, like anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. These issues may require other therapies to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in all ADHD medications. Methylphenidate is released into the body in a brief amount of time, which means it is able to work quickly and produce a rapid impact on mood. It is sometimes called 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 have effects for up to four hours.
Due to the potential for the abuse of stimulants, they are tightly controlled and only prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist (and sometimes, GPs in certain circumstances). They are prescribed only as a last option, after all other options have been exhausted.
There is evidence that physical activity can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Sleeping enough is important. Encourage your child or adult to sleep at a regular time and adhere to a regular routine, especially for meals. Avoiding caffeinated drinks can also aid.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate receptors in the brain, increasing the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine or norepinephrine. These are involved with the functioning of the brain as well as motivation and movement. They were prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, but are now prescribed for ADHD, obesity and narcolepsy. Additionally, they are used for recreational purposes to boost the performance of athletes and to feel euphoric.
The drugs are available in different forms, from a single capsule to extending-release tablets. The dosage is usually adjusted according to the weight and age of the patient, as well as medical history and how the drug affects the patient. They can be used by children and adults. Combining them with other medications can help reduce adverse effects and help people to get through their day.
Stimulants are usually the first method of treatment for ADHD, and they are generally effective for most patients. It could take a while to find the correct dosage, as every person reacts differently to medications. Your health care professional will monitor your or your child's bodily reactions until they find the dose that is effective, and they will continue to watch the effects over time to make sure it's effective.
Many experts believe that a combination treatment with medication and behavioral therapy is the most effective option to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists claim that stimulants can cause serious side effects, such as addiction and cardiovascular problems and psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder. They have also been linked to tics and Tourette syndrome in certain individuals.
A new study, referred to as a network meta-analysis, looked at all the available evidence about the effectiveness and safety of various medications for ADHD in adults, from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine and atomoxetine. Researchers were able to compare the results from individual studies, even though they had not been directly tested against each other. The previous meta-analyses only looked at specific groups of patients or a single drug.
The study found that lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were more effective than other drugs in decreasing ADHD symptoms. The study suggested that these two medications be tried first and then switch to dexamfetamine standard if do not work. The other two medications that you should consider are atomoxetine or guanfacine.
adhd uk medication who suffer from ADHD also have co-existing depression or anxiety and some ADHD medication side effects look like the symptoms of other mental health disorders. If your adult or child is taking ADHD medication, and you also see symptoms of anxiety or depression speak to your doctor immediately. You might need to add another medication to your treatment plan or modify the medication.
Stimulants used for ADHD aren't usually prescribed by themselves for depression however, they can be helpful for people with a combination of depression and ADHD. They can help alleviate depression-related symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty working, and help control ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants are not typically used to treat ADHD. However they can be helpful in the event that stimulants fail to function or cause unwanted adverse side effects. The most popular antidepressant medicines are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but tricyclic antidepressants, like nortriptyline and imipramine are often used to treat ADHD. The atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is also commonly used to treat ADHD in adults. It has been proven to reduce the impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available and typically have a lower risk of abuse, but they may cause problems with agitation or insomnia in some people. They can also cause adverse effects, like stomach upsets and headaches. These medications are available in extended-release formulations or long-acting forms that last between six to 16 hours. This may decrease the fluctuation of levels of drugs in the body. Many people supplement a longer-acting or extended-release medication in the morning with an immediate release dose taken at mid to late afternoon to cover times of day when the first medication begins to wear off.
Therapy can supplement medications for ADHD by teaching people new strategies for coping and helping them break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in ADHD, depression and anxiety. It takes just a few minutes to take an assessment, and you'll be connected with an therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Other medications
Many people suffering from ADHD take non-stimulant medicines to help manage their symptoms. These include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These medicines are antidepressants that are believed to work by increasing levels of norepinephrine. This aids the brain's nerves transmit messages to each other, which improves concentration and reduces the impulsiveness. They are less likely to have side effects like sleepiness or appetite suppression when in comparison to stimulant drugs.
Stimulant medications can cause unpleasant side effects, such as an upset stomach, changes in blood pressure or heartbeat. They may also cause tics (spontaneous, repetitive movements or vocal sounds) more noticeable and bothersome. Some children can also have growth and weight loss when taking stimulant medications. These effects are usually short-lived, and your doctor will prescribe a dosage that is right 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 be monitoring your or your child's progress closely and adjust the dose as needed. The problem won't be solved through medication alone, so you should discuss the possibility of behavioral therapy with your child's physician.
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD, is not the only choice. Short-acting methylphenidate drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin release the medication quickly into your system, and they must be taken several times per day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines like Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. These medications are available in liquids tablets that can be swallowed or crushed, and quick-dissolve tablets (Evekeo ODt) which dissolve instantly in the mouth. The two methylphenidate types are similar to amphetamines, but are generally considered to be safer than amphetamines for young people. They are less likely to cause addiction or heart problems. Amphetamines last for up to 16 hours and are stronger than methylphenidate. However, they are more likely to cause heart problems.