Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining medication and therapy can help to manage ADHD. The medication treats the brain, while therapy helps patients cope and learn skills.
Stimulants, such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, increase levels of two chemical substances in the brain that transmit messages between cells. This can increase the level of attention, impulse control, and motivation. The stimulants can cause side effects, such as insomnia, a weight loss and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
Stimulants
Medications called stimulants are often the first treatment tried for ADHD. They boost levels of norepinephrine and dopamine which aids the brain to function normally. These medications improve focus and reduce hyperactivity, interrupting and fidgeting. They can also help people organize their lives, complete tasks and improve relationships. But the effects don't last for long and they may cause serious negative side effects. These drugs can cause personality changes in certain people, especially those with a past history of Bipolar disorder or depression. They may be more introverted or rigid more withdrawn, less sociable and spontaneous or show signs of obsessive compulsive disorders. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. These adverse effects are more likely to happen in people who suffer from heart problems. adhd medication online must be monitored closely by their physician when taking stimulants.
Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. Those that peak after several hours require taking every day for a minimum of 3 times in order to achieve their maximum effect. Long-acting or extended-release medications last for between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once a day. Both types can have adverse effects on growth, appetite, and sleep, so it's vital to talk with your doctor about how the medication might affect you or your child before beginning it.
Be patient. It can take some time to find the right dosage and medication for someone who has ADHD. Your doctor will test different medications in small amounts to determine which ones can control symptoms the best and have the smallest amount of side effects. They may need to adjust the dosage dependent on how you or your child responds.
Side effects of ADHD medicine can be a bit uncomfortable or serious, but most disappear within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts to the medicine. Common side effects include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite as well as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as well as tics (sudden repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or clearing of the throat). Children and adolescents who take stimulants may experience a decrease in growth and an increase in their height.
The symptoms may recur after the medicine is stopped therefore it's essential to talk with your doctor whether it's right for you or your child to continue taking it. You should also check in with your physician to make sure that the medication is working as planned and there are no side effects or problems.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD take longer to perform than stimulants, however they can boost concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although they don't carry the same potential for abuse or dependence as stimulants do, they do increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients taking certain medication. This includes ADHD medicines. These laws require doctors to see you or your child on a regular basis in person or via phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective, and to monitor the patient's progress. They can also monitor the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medication, as well as examine other symptoms like a depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts.