adhd medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining medication and therapy can help control ADHD. Medicines treat the brain and therapy helps people develop techniques and manage.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine boost the levels of two chemicals that transmit messages between cells of the brain. This improves attention, impulse control and motivation. The stimulants can have negative side effects like loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the first drugs used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which help the brain function normally. These medications improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also improve interpersonal relationships, and help people complete tasks and get organized. However, the effects don't last for long and they may cause serious negative side effects. Some people, especially those who have a history of bipolar disorder or depression, might experience personality changes while taking these medications. They might become more withdrawn, listless or rigid, less active and talkative or develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with heart conditions are more susceptible to these side effects, and should be monitored by a physician when taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants are available in two doses. The stimulants that reach their peak within a few hours have to be taken two times a day. Long-acting medications or ones with extended release function for between 8 and 12 hours and can only be taken once a week. Both are prone to adverse effects on appetite, growth, and sleep, so it's vital to talk to your doctor about how the medication could affect your child or you prior to taking it.
Be patient. It can take some time to determine the most effective dosage and medication for someone who has ADHD. Your doctor will test different medications in small doses to see which ones control the symptoms the best and have the least adverse consequences. They may also have to alter the dosage in accordance with your child's reaction.
The side effects of ADHD medication can be uncomfortable or serious, but most disappear after a few days or weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, appetite loss, increased heart rate and blood pressure and tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or clearing of the throat). Some children and adolescents who take stimulants may experience a decrease in growth and an increase in their height.
If you stop taking the medication, symptoms can come back. It's important that you discuss with your doctor if it's best for you or your child to continue. You should also check in with your physician to make sure that the medication is working as intended and there aren't any side negative effects or issues.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications require longer time to work however they can help increase attention as well as reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. While they don't have as much of a potential for abuse or dependence as stimulants do, they increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Some states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients who are taking certain medications. This includes ADHD medications. These laws require doctors to see you or your child on a regular basis, either in person, or by phone, to ensure that the medication is safe and effective and to monitor the patient's development. In adhd uk medication to assessing the effectiveness of your your child's ADHD medication, they should also check for other indications and signs of issues, such as depression, anxiety or suicidal ideas.