Medications and Therapy For ADHD
A combination of medication and therapy can help control ADHD symptoms. The medication treats the brain while therapy helps people cope and develop skills.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, increase levels of two chemical substances in the brain, which transmit messages between cells. This improves the rate of attention and impulse control. The stimulants can cause adverse effects, including sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants are often the first medication used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which help the brain function normally. These drugs improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also aid people to organize their lives, complete tasks, and improve relationships. The effects are not long-lasting and may cause serious side effects. Some people, especially those who have an underlying depression or bipolar disorder, might experience personality changes when taking these drugs. They may be insecure, withdrawn or rigid, less active and talkative, or develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. They may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. People who have a heart condition are at a higher risk of these side effects and should be closely monitored by a physician while taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants can be found in two dosages. The ones that are peaking after a few hours require taking at least three times per day, while long-acting or extended-release medications last for between 8 and 12 hours and are taken just once daily. Both can have adverse effects on growth, appetite, and sleep, so it's important to talk to your doctor about how the medication may affect you or your child prior to starting it.
It can take some time to find the right medication and dosage for someone with ADHD, so be patient. Your doctor will test different medications in small doses to see which ones manage the symptoms the best and cause the least side consequences. They may have to alter the dose as well dependent on how you or your child reacts.
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. The side effects of ADHD medication include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite and increased blood pressure heart rate and tics. Certain teenagers and children who are taking stimulants may have a slower growth rate or a slight delay in their height at the end of the day.
The symptoms may recur after the medicine is stopped and it's crucial to discuss with your doctor if it's appropriate for you or your child to continue taking it. You should also check in with your doctor to confirm that the medication is working as it should and there aren't any side effects or problems.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work, but can enhance attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They do not have the same risk for addiction or abuse as stimulants, however they do increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which means there is a risk of dependence or misuse.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients taking certain medications. This includes ADHD medicines. These laws require doctors to meet with you or your child at regular intervals whether in person or over the phone, to ensure that the medications are effective and safe and to evaluate the performance of the patient. In adhd medications to assessing the effectiveness of your or your child's ADHD medication, they can also look for other indications and signs of issues, such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
