ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge difference for most kids. It's not for all children. Parents should carefully consider the pros and cons.
The most common medication prescribed by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. adult adhd medication uk can reduce hyperactivity, interrupting, fidgeting and other signs. However, they can also trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness stomachaches, headaches and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that boost the activity of the peripheral and central nervous systems. They enhance the transmission of signals in the brain and help people focus better and increase their ability to learn. They also improve productivity, alertness, and arousal, and reduce appetite. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. The use of stimulants is prescribed to treat ADHD however, they can also be used to treat a variety of ailments. People with ADHD may experience difficulties at school, work or in their relationships. They tend to be impulsive and have trouble planning ahead. Their mood can influence their behavior, for instance when they are angry or upset.
Medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to plan and follow through with tasks, as well as manage their impulsive behavior. It is not a cure, and many sufferers continue to experience symptoms even when taking medication. There are some who have underlying issues that cause their symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or drug addiction. These issues might need to be treated with other therapies before the symptoms of ADHD can be resolved.
Methylphenidate is the main ingredient in all ADHD medication. Methylphenidate acts quickly because it is released into the body in a short amount of time. It can also have an immediate effect on mood. It is sometimes called Ritalin, although the same drug is available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer period of time, and can have effects for up to four hours.
Due to the potential for abuse of stimulants, they are tightly controlled and can only by prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist (and sometimes, GPs in certain circumstances). They are generally only recommended as a last resort, after all other treatments have been exhausted.
Some evidence suggests that physical exercise can help ease ADHD symptoms by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Sleeping enough is crucial. Encourage your child or yourself to fall asleep at a reasonable time and to stick to the same routine, particularly during mealtimes. Avoiding drinks that contain caffeine could help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines trigger receptors in the brain and increase the activity of neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine. These are involved with the functioning of the brain, motivation and movement. They were previously used to treat many diseases, but they are now prescribed mostly for ADHD and obesity, as well as narcolepsy. They are also used recreationally to enhance athletic performance and feel euphoria.
The drugs are available in different forms, ranging from a single capsule to extending-release tablets. The dosage is adjusted based on the patient's weight, age as well as medical history and the effects of the medication. Children and adults alike can take these drugs. They are often paired with other medications to minimize adverse effects or to help people get through the day.
Stimulants are often the initial method of treatment for ADHD and are generally effective in most patients. It may take some time to determine the appropriate dose, as each person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will be monitoring the body reactions of your child or you until they find the right dosage. They will continue to monitor the dosage for a period of time to ensure it is functioning properly.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavior therapy and medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD. However, some psychiatrists claim that stimulants are over-prescribed and could cause serious side effects, including cardiovascular problems addiction, psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular problems such as bipolar disorder. They have also been linked with tics and Tourette syndrome in some people.
A new study referred to as an "network meta-analysis" reviewed all the available evidence of the effectiveness and safety for ADHD in adults of different medications, ranging from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine, and atomoxetine. This allowed researchers to evaluate the results of different studies, even though they had not been tested directly against one another. Meta-analyses of the past have looked at specific groups of patients, or only one drug.
The study concluded that all the medications studied were effective in reducing ADHD symptoms However, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were better than other drugs. The study suggested that these two medications be first tried before switching to dexamfetamine standard if they aren't working. The other two medications that you should consider are guanfacine and atomoxetine.
Antidepressants
Certain ADHD medication side effects are similar to the symptoms of anxiety or depression. If your adult or child is taking ADHD medication, and you also see symptoms of anxiety or depression consult your physician right away. You may need to alter the dosage or add something else to your treatment plan.
Stimulants used for ADHD aren't typically prescribed by themselves for depression however they can be beneficial to people with the combination of depression and ADHD. They help reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and difficulty concentrating, while helping to manage ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants are not normally used to treat ADHD however they can be useful if stimulants don't perform or have undesirable adverse side effects. Antidepressants are most commonly SSRIs, or selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. However, tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine or nortriptyline are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. The atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is also sometimes used to treat ADHD in adults. It has been proven to reduce the impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available. They have a lower risk of abuse however, they can cause insomnia and agitation in some people. Other side effects can include headaches and stomach upset. Doctors may prescribe long-acting or extended-release formulations of these medications, which last from six to 16 hours and can lessen the ups and downs of the levels of drugs within the body. Many people supplement a long-acting or extended-release medication in the morning with an instant-release dose that is taken from mid to late afternoon to cover the times of the day when the first medication starts wearing off.
Therapy can supplement medications for ADHD by teaching people new coping techniques and helping people break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects users with licensed certified, accredited therapists that specialize in a variety of subjects including ADHD and depression, anxiety, and relationships. It takes only a minute to complete an assessment and you'll be connected with the right therapist in as short as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Many people with ADHD take non-stimulant medicines to treat their symptoms. These include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of the antidepressant family and function, in theory by increasing levels norepinephrine, a chemical. This helps nerves within the brain communicate with one another. This enhances concentration and decreases the frequency of impulses. They are also less likely to cause side effects such as sleepiness or appetite suppression as stimulant medications.
The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects, like stomach upset and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They may also cause the tics (spontaneous, repetitive movements or vocal sounds) more apparent and uncomfortable. In addition, stimulant medications can slow growth and lead to weight loss in children. These effects last for a short time and your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage for your child or you.
You will not see any significant improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you've been taking the medication for at least three to four weeks. The doctor will monitor your child or yourself and adjust the dosage if required. The problem can't be solved by medication alone, so you should discuss behavior therapy with your child's physician.
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used to treat ADHD, but there are other types of stimulant medications. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medications release the medication rapidly into your system. They must be taken multiple times per every day. Long-acting methylphenidate drugs like Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. These medications are available in liquids and tablets that can be chewed or swallowed and tablets that quickly dissolve (Evekeo ODt) that dissolve instantly in the mouth. These two types of methylphenidate, while similar to amphetamines are generally regarded as safer than amphetamines for younger people. They are also less likely to cause heart problems or addiction. Amphetamines can be a bit stronger than methylphenidate and can last for up to 16 hours, but they're much more likely to lead to heart issues.