ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a big difference for the majority children. But it's not right for everyone. Parents should carefully weigh the pros and cons.
The most common medication prescribed by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. They can reduce hyperactivity, interrupting, fidgeting and other symptoms. They can also cause side-effects like headaches and jitteriness.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They boost the transmission of signals within the brain which allows people to focus better and increase their ability to learn. They also improve productivity, alertness, and arousal and reduce appetite. They can also cause adverse effects, such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions, but they are most commonly prescribed for ADHD. People with ADHD may have problems at work, school, or in their relationships. They are usually indecisive and are unable to plan ahead. Their mood can also influence their behavior, like when they are angry or upset.
The use of medication can enhance the ability of those with ADHD to plan, follow through on tasks and control impulsive behaviors. But it is not a cure for the condition. Many people find that symptoms persist even after taking medication. There are some who have underlying issues that cause their symptoms, including depression, anxiety, or drug addiction. These issues may require other therapies to resolve the symptoms of ADHD.
Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in all ADHD medications. Methylphenidate acts quickly because it is released into the body within a short period of time. It also has an immediate impact on mood. It is sometimes called Ritalin, although the same drug is available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer period of time and can exert effects for up to four hours.
Due to the possibility of misuse of stimulants, they are tightly controlled and are only prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist (and sometimes GPs in special circumstances). They are typically only prescribed as a last resort after all other treatment options have been exhausted.
There is evidence to suggest that physical exercise can help ease the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of natural brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. It is also essential to get enough sleep. Encourage your adult or child to go to bed at a time that is reasonable and stick to a regular routine, especially for meal times. Refraining from drinking caffeinated drinks may aid.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate receptors in the brain that increase the activity of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine and dopamine. These are associated with cognitive function as well as motivation and movement. They have been used to treat a broad range of conditions however, they are currently mostly prescribed for ADHD as well as narcolepsy and obesity. They are also used recreationally to enhance athletic performance and feel euphoria.
These drugs are available in a variety of types, ranging from one capsule to extended-release tablets. The dosage is adjusted based on the patient's weight, age as well as medical history and the effects of the drug. Both adults and children can take them. They are often used in conjunction with other medications to lessen adverse effects or to help people get through the day.
Stimulants are often the initial method of treatment for ADHD, and they are generally effective for most patients. They may take a while to find the right dosage because every person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will monitor the body reactions of you or your child until they can determine the correct dose. They will then continue to monitor the dosage for a period of time to ensure it is working.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavior therapy and medication is the best method to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists, however, believe that stimulants could cause severe side effects like addiction and cardiovascular problems and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. There have been reports of tics or Tourette syndrome after taking stimulants.
A new study, referred to as a meta-analysis of networks, reviewed all the available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of various drugs for ADHD for adults, from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine and atomoxetine. This allowed researchers to compare the results of individual studies, even though they had not been tested directly against one another. Meta-analyses have in the past focused on certain populations of patients or one drug.
adhd medication list found that all the drugs studied helped to reduce ADHD symptoms however methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were superior to other drugs. It was recommended that these two drugs be tried first, then switching to 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
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have co-existing depression or anxiety and some ADHD medication side effects appear like symptoms from other mental health disorders. If your child or adult is taking ADHD medication and you are also noticing signs of depression or anxiety speak to your doctor immediately. You may need to add another medication to your treatment regimen or modify the medication.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't typically prescribed by themselves for depression however, they can be beneficial to those suffering from the combination of depression and ADHD. They reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and trouble concentrating while controlling ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants are not normally used to treat ADHD however, they may be beneficial if stimulants do not work or have unacceptable 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. The Atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is also used to treat ADHD in adults. It has been shown to improve impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available and generally have a lower chance of abuse, but they may cause problems with insomnia or agitation in certain people. They may also cause other adverse effects, like stomach upset and headaches. These medications are usually prescribed 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 drug taken in the morning with an immediate release dose taken at mid to late afternoon to cover times of the day when the first medication starts wearing off.
Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and gain new strategies for coping. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed certified, accredited therapists that are experts in a variety of subjects, including ADHD depression, anxiety and relationships. It takes just one minute to take an assessment, and you'll be matched with the right therapist in as short as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medicines are often used to manage ADHD symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine also known as Strattera and viloxazine known as Qelbree. These antidepressants function in theory by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. This aids the brain's nerves transmit messages to one another, which improves concentration and reduces impulsiveness. They are also less likely to trigger adverse effects like anxiety or insomnia than stimulant medications.
The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects, like an upset stomach as well as changes to heart rate or blood pressure. They can also cause the tics (spontaneous repeated vocal or aural sounds) more apparent and irritating. Some children can also suffer from growth and weight loss when taking stimulant medications. These effects are usually temporary, and the doctor will prescribe the dosage that is suitable for you or your child.
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 monitor your your child's progress closely and adjust the dosage when necessary. Treatment alone won't fix the issue, so it's important to talk with your child's health care provider regarding behavioral therapy, too.
Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used to treat ADHD however, there are different types of stimulant medicines. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medicines release the medication into your system quickly. They should be taken multiple times per every day. Long-acting methylphenidate drugs like Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. These medications are available in liquids, tablets that can either be crushed or swallowed, and tablets that quickly dissolve (Evekeo ODt) which dissolve instantly in the mouth. Both types of methylphenidate are similar to amphetamine, but are generally regarded as safer for children than amphetamines. They are also less likely to cause heart problems and addiction. Amphetamines can last for up to 16 hours and are more potent than methylphenidate. However they are more likely to cause heart issues.