Medications and Therapy For ADHD
A combination of therapy and medication can help to manage ADHD symptoms. The medication treats the brain while therapy helps people manage and learn skills.
Stimulants like methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine can increase levels of two chemicals that transmit messages between cells of the brain. This increases attention and impulse control. The stimulants can trigger adverse effects, such as an increase in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
Medications called stimulants are often the first treatment for ADHD. They increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps the brain function normally. These medications help improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also improve relationships, help people complete tasks and get organized. The effects are not lasting and may cause severe side-effects. Some people, especially those who have a history of depression or bipolar disorder, can have personality changes while taking these medications. They may become withdrawn, listless or rigid, less active and talkative, or develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. They may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with heart conditions are at a higher risk of these side effects and should be monitored by a physician while taking stimulants.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. Those that peak after several hours should be taken 2-3 times a day, whereas long-acting or extended release drugs work for 8-12 hours and can be taken once per day. Both can have adverse effects on appetite, growth and sleep, so it's important to talk with your doctor about how the medication might affect you or your child prior to beginning it.
It can take time to determine the best medication and dosage for someone with ADHD Be patient. Your doctor will test a range of medications in small doses, to determine which one manages the symptoms the most effectively and has the smallest amount of adverse effects. They may also have to adjust the dosage depending on your or your child's response.
Side effects of ADHD medication can be uncomfortable or severe, but the majority go away after a few weeks when your body is used to the medicine. Common side effects include stomach upset, appetite loss as well as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, and tics (sudden repetition of movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing). Read Home Page and teenagers who take stimulants may experience a reduction in growth or a slight delay in their final height.
If just click the following web site stop taking the medication and experience symptoms, they could be recurred. It's important that you discuss with your doctor if it's best for you or your child to continue. It is also important to check in with your doctor on a regular basis to ensure that the medication is working, and that there are no problems or adverse side effects.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD require more time to work than stimulants, but they can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Although they don't have as much of a potential for dependence or abuse as stimulants do, they do increase levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients who are taking certain medications. This includes ADHD medicines. These laws require them to meet with you or your child on a regular basis either in person or by phone, to make sure that the medication is effective and safe, and to determine the performance of the patient. They can also assess the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medications and examine other symptoms like anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts.