Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining therapy and medication can help manage ADHD. The brain is treated with medication, while therapy helps people develop skills and cope.
The stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine increase the levels of two chemical substances that transmit messages between cells in the brain. This improves the ability to focus, impulse control and motivation. Stimulants may cause negative side effects, like sleeplessness, loss of appetite and a rise in heart rate and bloodpressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first treatment for ADHD. treating adhd without medication increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which help the brain function normally. These medicines improve focus and reduce hyperactivity, interrupting, and fidgeting. They also aid people to organize their lives, complete tasks and improve relationships. The effects are not long-lasting and may cause severe side-effects. These drugs can cause changes in the personality of some 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 They may be more introverted or rigid more withdrawn, less sociable and spontaneous or show signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. They can also increase blood pressure and heartbeat. People with a heart condition are at a higher risk of these side effects and should be closely monitored by a physician when taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants can be found in two 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 to 12 hours and should only be taken twice a week. Both can have negative effects, including on sleep, appetite, and growth. Consult your physician before taking either type regarding the potential adverse effects.
It can take time to find the right dosage and medication for a person who suffers from ADHD, so be patient. Your doctor will test a variety of medications in small doses to determine which one manages the symptoms the most effectively and has the fewest adverse effects. They may have to adjust the dose as well, depending on how you or your child responds.
The negative effects of ADHD medication can be serious or a nuisance, but they usually go away within several weeks or days as your body gets familiar with the medication. The adverse effects of ADHD medications include stomach upset, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure heart rate and tics. Children and adolescents who take stimulants can suffer from a slower growth and an increase in their final height.
The symptoms may recur after the medication is discontinued, so it's important to discuss with your doctor whether it's appropriate for you or your child to continue taking the medication. You should also check in 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 medicines for ADHD take longer to work than stimulants, but they can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. They don't have the same potential for addiction or abuse as stimulants, however they do increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, so there is a chance of dependence or misuse.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to monitor patients taking certain medications, such as ADHD medications. These laws require doctors to see you or your child frequently in person or via phone, to ensure that the medication is safe and effective and to evaluate the patient's development. They can also monitor the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medication, as well as look for other symptoms such anxiety, depression or suicidal idea.