ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medicine can make a huge difference for most kids. But it's not right for everyone. Parents need to weigh the pros and cons with care.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medicines doctors prescribe for ADHD. They can reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity fidgeting, and other symptoms. But they can also cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, stomachaches, headaches, and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They improve the transmission of signals to the brain which allows people to concentrate better and improve their ability to learn. They also increase the efficiency, alertness and arousal and reduce appetite. They can also trigger adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. They can be used to treat a variety but they are commonly prescribed for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may have problems at school, work or in their relationships. They are typically impulsive, and have difficulty planning ahead. Their behavior can be affected by their mood like being excessively irritable or angry.
Treatment can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to plan and follow through on tasks, and also manage their impulsive behavior. However, it isn't an effective treatment for the condition. Many sufferers find that their symptoms persist even when taking medication. Some people have underlying issues, like depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs, that can contribute to their symptoms. These issues might require treatment using other treatments before the symptoms of ADHD can be addressed.
Methylphenidate is the main 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 be a rapid effect on mood. It is also referred to as Ritalin. However it is possible to be purchased under the brand name Ritalin LA. This medication is released over a longer period of time and may be a long-lasting effect.
Due to the possibility of abuse, stimulants are tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a paediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrist (and occasionally GPs in special situations). They are prescribed only as a last option, after all other options have been exhausted.
There is evidence to suggest that physical exercise can ease the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. It is also essential to get enough rest. Encourage your child or yourself to fall asleep at a reasonable time and to follow an established routine, especially during meal times. Refraining from drinking caffeinated drinks may aid.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines activate receptors in the brain, thereby increasing the activity of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine or dopamine. These are associated with cognitive functioning as well as motivation and movement. They were previously used to treat various diseases, but they are now prescribed mainly for ADHD and obesity, as well as the condition known as narcolepsy. They can also be used as a recreational drug to improve athletic performance and for feelings of euphoria and energy.
They are available in various forms, from a single capsule to extending-release tablets. The dosage is typically determined by age and weight and medical history and the effects of the drug on the patient. They can be taken by adults and children. Combining them with other medications can lessen adverse effects and help people get through their day.
Stimulants are typically the first line of treatment for ADHD and are effective in most cases. It may take some time to find the right dose because every person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will observe the body reactions of you or your child until they determine the appropriate dose. They will continue to monitor the dosage for a period of time to ensure it is effective.
Many experts believe that a combination treatment with medication and behavioral therapy is the best choice for treating ADHD. Some psychiatrists argue that stimulants can have severe side effects like cardiovascular problems and addiction and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. There have been reports of tics or Tourette syndrome when taking stimulants.
A new study referred to as"network meta-analysis "network meta-analysis" examined all the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of ADHD in adults of different drugs, from methylphenidate, to dextroamphetamine, and atomoxetine. This allowed researchers to compare the results of individual studies, even if they hadn't been directly tested against each other. Meta-analyses have in the past only focused on specific populations of patients or one drug.
The study concluded that all the drugs tested aid in reducing ADHD symptoms however methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were superior to other drugs. It was suggested that these two should be considered first, and then switch to the standard dexamfetamine if one fails or isn't well-tolerated. Two other medications you should think about are guanfacine or atomoxetine.
Antidepressants
Some ADHD medication side effects are similar to the symptoms of anxiety or depression. If your child or adult is taking ADHD medication and you are also noticing signs of depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor right away. You may need to add another medication to your treatment regimen or change the medication.
They are not usually prescribed for depression only but they can be beneficial for people who suffer from both depression and ADHD. They help reduce depression symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating, while helping to manage ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Antidepressants are not normally used to treat ADHD however, they may be useful if stimulants don't work or cause unacceptable adverse side effects. The most common antidepressant medications are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) however tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine are sometimes used to treat ADHD. Read the Full Posting (Wellbutrin Zyban, wellbutrin) is also used for ADHD in adults and has been shown to improve the impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available and typically have a lower risk of abuse, but they can cause issues with insomnia or agitation in some people. They can also have other side effects, such as headaches and stomach upset. Doctors may prescribe long-acting or extended-release formulations of these drugs that last between six to 16 hours and may reduce the fluctuations of drug levels in the body. Many people supplement a long-acting or extended-release medication in the morning with an immediate-release dose taken mid- to late afternoon to cover times of the day when the first medication starts to wear off.
Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and develop new ways to cope. BetterHelp is an online service that connects people with licensed certified, accredited therapists that specialize in a wide range of topics including ADHD, depression, anxiety and relationships. It takes just a few minutes to complete an assessment and you'll be matched to an therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Other medications
Non-stimulant drugs are frequently employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These antidepressants work in theory by increasing levels of norepinephrine. This helps nerves in the brain communicate with one another. This enhances concentration and decreases the frequency of impulses. They are less likely to suffer negative effects such as insomnia or appetite suppression compared to stimulant medications.
Some stimulants can cause negative side effects, like stomach upset and changes to heart rate or blood pressure. They may also cause the tics (spontaneous repetition of movements or vocal sounds) more noticeable and irritating. Some children can also have weight loss and growth delays when they are taking stimulant drugs. These effects are usually temporary, and a doctor will prescribe a dosage that is appropriate for you or your child.
Your child should be on medication for 3 to 4 weeks before you can see an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will track the progress of your child or you closely and adjust the dose when necessary. The issue can't be resolved through medication alone, so you must also discuss the issue of behavior therapy with your child's doctor.
Methylphenidate is the most common medication used to treat ADHD however there are many other kinds of stimulant medications. Short-acting methylphenidate drugs like Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system, and they have to be taken multiple times a day. Long-acting methylphenidates like Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. These medications are available in liquids, tablets that can either be chewed or swallowed and quick-dissolve tablets (Evekeo ODt) that dissolve instantly in the mouth. Both types of methylphenidate have a similar structure to amphetamine, however they are generally considered safer for children than amphetamines. They are also less likely to cause heart problems and addiction. Amphetamines are slightly more potent than methylphenidate, and can last for as long as 16 hours, but they're less likely to lead to heart problems.