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, like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, increase levels of two chemicals in the brain, which transmit messages between cells. This improves the ability to focus and control impulses. Stimulants can cause side effects such as an increase in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first treatment for ADHD. They increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine which help the brain function normally. These medications help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also aid people to organize their lives, complete tasks and enhance relationships. But the effects won't last for long and they may cause serious side effects. These drugs can cause changes in the personality of some people, especially those with a past history of depression or Bipolar disorder. They might become more introverted, unfocused or rigid, less active and talkative, or develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. They may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. These adverse effects are more likely to occur in those with heart issues. They must be monitored closely by their doctor when taking stimulants.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The stimulants that reach their peak within a few hours have to be taken twice daily. Long-acting medications or those with extended release work for 8-12 hour and can only be taken once per week. Both types can have negative side effects on appetite, sleep, and growth. Talk to your doctor before taking either type regarding the potential adverse effects.
It can take time to determine the best medication and dosage for someone who suffers from ADHD and other disorders, so take your time. Your doctor will test various medications in small doses to see which ones can control symptoms the best and cause the least negative side negative effects. They may have to alter the dose as well, depending on how you or your child responds.
The negative effects of ADHD medication can be serious or bothersome, but they usually disappear within a few weeks or days as your body becomes accustomed to the medicine. The adverse effects of ADHD medications include stomach upset, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure heart rate and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulants may have a slower growth rate or a slight delay of their height at the end of the day.
If you stop taking the medication and experience symptoms, they could come back. It is important to discuss with your doctor whether it's better for you or your child to continue. It is also important to check with your physician to make sure that the medication is working as it should and there aren't any side effects or problems.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD require more time to work than stimulants, but they can improve concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although Read Home Page don't carry as much of a potential for dependence or abuse as stimulants do, they increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients who are taking certain medications, which includes ADHD medicines. These laws require that doctors meet with you or your child frequently in person or via phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective and to monitor the patient's progress. In Read Home Page , to monitoring the effectiveness of your your child's ADHD medication, they may also be looking for other indications and signs of problems, including anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts.