Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining medication and therapy can help control ADHD. The medication treats the brain while therapy helps people cope and learn skills.
Stimulants, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, boost levels of two chemical substances in the brain that pass messages between cells. This improves the level of attention, impulse control, and motivation. Stimulants may cause adverse effects, including insomnia, a weight loss and a rise in heart rate and bloodpressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first treatment tried for ADHD. They increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which help the brain function normally. adult adhd medication uk improve focus and reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also improve relationships, and help people complete tasks and stay organized. The effects aren't long-lasting and can cause severe side-effects. These medications can cause personality changes in certain people, especially those with a past history of depression or Bipolar disorder. They may become withdrawn or rigid, less talkative and spontaneous or show signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. These adverse effects are more likely to happen in people with heart issues. They should be closely monitored by their physician while taking stimulants.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. Those that peak after several hours should be taken 2-3 times a day in order to achieve their maximum effect. Long-acting or extended-release drugs work for 8-12 hours and are taken once per day. Both kinds can have adverse effects on appetite, growth and sleep, so it's important to consult with your doctor about how the medication could affect you or your child before taking it.
It may take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for a person with ADHD, so be patient. Your doctor will try different medications in small doses to determine which ones control the symptoms the best and cause the smallest amount of negative side consequences. They may also need to alter the dosage in accordance with your child's response.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can be serious or bothersome, but they usually disappear after some weeks or days as your body gets familiar with the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, appetite loss, increased blood pressure and heart rate and tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing). Children and teens who take stimulants might experience a reduction in growth or a slight delay in their height at the end of the day.
Symptoms can return if the medicine is stopped therefore it's essential to talk to your doctor if it's appropriate for you or your child to continue taking it. It is also important to check in with your physician regularly to ensure the medication is working and that there are no problems or side effects.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications require longer time to work but they can increase attention as well as reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They do not have the same risk for addiction or abuse as stimulants, however they do increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which means there is a possibility of misuse or dependency.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to monitor patients who are taking certain medications, including ADHD medicines. These laws require doctors to visit you or your child regularly, either in person or by phone, to make sure that the medications are effective and safe and to evaluate how the person is doing. They can also assess the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medication and also look for other signs such as a depression, anxiety or suicidal idea.