does adhd medication work - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medicine can make a big difference for most kids. But it's not right for all children. Parents should weigh the pros and cons with care.
Stimulants are the most common medicines doctors prescribe for ADHD. They can cut down on hyperactivity, interrupting fidgeting, and other signs. They can also cause side-effects like jitteriness and headaches.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. They increase the transmission of brain signals, which helps people focus more effectively and enhances their learning ability. They also increase productivity, alertness, and stimulation, and decrease appetite. They can also trigger side effects such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. The use of stimulants can treat a variety however, they are most often prescribed for ADHD. People with ADHD are often faced with difficulties at school, at work and in their relationships. They tend to be unpredictable and have difficulty planning ahead. Their behavior may be affected by their mood like being excessively angry or irritable.
Medication can improve the ability of those with ADHD to plan, follow through on tasks and control impulsive behaviors. It's not a cure, and many people still suffer from symptoms even after taking medication. Some people also have underlying issues that contribute to their symptoms, including anxiety, depression, or drug addiction. These issues may require treatment using other therapies before the symptoms of ADHD can be resolved.
The drugs used to treat ADHD may have different names, however they all have the same active ingredient: Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is a fast-acting drug because it is released into the body within a short period of time. It can also have an immediate impact on mood. It is also known as Ritalin. However, the same medicine can be purchased under the brand name Ritalin LA. This medication is released over a longer period of time and may last for a long time.
Due to the possibility of abuse, stimulants are closely controlled and are only prescribed by a pediatrician, psychiatrist or neurologists (and occasionally GPs in special situations). They are typically only prescribed as a last resort, after all other treatments have been exhausted.
There is some evidence that physical activity can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of natural brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. It is also crucial to get enough sleep. Encourage your child or adult to fall asleep at a reasonable hour and to stick to a consistent routine, particularly for meals. Drinking less caffeinated beverages can aid.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate receptors in the brain, which increase the activity of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine or dopamine. These are involved with cognitive function, motivation and movement. They have been utilized to treat a wide variety of ailments however, they are currently mainly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, as well as obesity. Also, they are abused recreationally to enhance the performance of athletes and to feel euphoric.
They are available in a variety of forms, from one capsule to extended-release tablets. The dosage is adjusted according to the patient's age, weight medical history, weight, and the effects of the medication. They can be used by adults and children. Combining them with other medications can lessen the effects of side effects and help patients to get through their day.
Stimulants are often the initial course of treatment for ADHD and are generally effective for most patients. It can take a while to determine the appropriate dosage, as every person reacts differently to medications. Your doctor will monitor the body reactions of your child or you until they can determine the correct dose. They will then 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. Some psychiatrists argue that stimulants can have severe side effects like cardiovascular problems and addiction, and psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder. There have been reports of symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome after taking stimulants.
A new study known as an "network meta-analysis" looked at all available evidence on the safety and effectiveness of ADHD in adults of different drugs, ranging from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine, as well as the atomoxetine. Researchers were able to compare the results from individual trials even though they had not been directly tested against each other. Meta-analyses have in the past only focused on specific populations of patients or one drug.
The study found that all the drugs tested helped to reduce ADHD symptoms, but lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate were more effective than other medications. It recommended that these two be first tried, and then switched to standard dexamfetamine if either does not work or isn't a good fit. Other medications to look at are atomoxetine as well as Guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Many people with ADHD also have co-existing depression or anxiety, and some ADHD medication side effects can look like the symptoms of other mental health disorders. If your child or adult is taking ADHD medication and you are also noticing signs of anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor immediately. You might be required to add a different medication to your treatment plan, or change the medication.
Stimulants used for ADHD aren't usually prescribed on their own for depression, but they can be helpful for those suffering from a combination of depression and ADHD. They help to reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and difficulty working while reducing ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Antidepressants are not typically used to treat ADHD. However they can be helpful if stimulants fail to work or cause unwanted adverse effects. The most popular antidepressant medicines are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) however tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine and nortriptyline, are often used to treat ADHD. Adults with ADHD are also treated by taking the atypical antidepressant bupropion. It has been demonstrated to reduce impulsivity as well as improve inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available, and typically have a lower risk of abuse, however they could cause problems with insomnia or agitation for some people. They can also cause side effects, such as headaches and stomach upset. Doctors can prescribe long-acting or extended-release versions of these medications that last between six to 16 hours, and can reduce the fluctuations of drug levels in the body. Many people take a dose in the morning of a long-acting, extended-release medication, and then consume an immediate-release dosage in the mid-to-late afternoon to cover times when the initial medication starts to wear off.
Therapy can complement medications for ADHD by teaching people new strategies for coping and helping them break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in ADHD as well as depression and anxiety. It takes just a few minutes to complete an assessment and you'll be matched with the right therapist in as short as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medications are commonly employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine also known as Strattera and viloxazine known as Qelbree. They are in the class of antidepressants and work, in theory by increasing levels a chemical called norepinephrine. This aids the brain's nerves transmit messages to each other which improves concentration and reduces impulsiveness. They are less likely to experience negative effects such as anxiety or insomnia in comparison to stimulant drugs.
Stimulant medication can cause unpleasant side effects, such as an upset stomach or changes in blood pressure or heartbeat. They can also cause the tics (spontaneous repetitive movements or vocal sounds) more noticeable and annoying. Some children can also suffer from growth retardations and weight loss when they are taking stimulant drugs. These effects are usually temporary, and your doctor will prescribe a dose that is suitable for you or your child.
You won't see any real improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you've been taking the medication for three to four weeks. The doctor will be monitoring your your child's progress closely and adjust the dosage when necessary. The medication alone will not solve the problem, so it's crucial to speak with your child's health care provider about behavioral therapy as well.
Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD, is not the only option. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medicines release the medication rapidly into your system. They must be taken several times throughout the every day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines like Evekeo or Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available as tablets that can be swallowed, crushed, as liquids, and as tablets that dissolve in the mouth (Evekeo ODT). Both of these types of methylphenidate have a similar structure to amphetamine, but are generally regarded to be safer for children than amphetamines. They are also less likely to cause heart problems or addiction. Amphetamines are slightly stronger than methylphenidate and may last for as long as 16 hours, but they're more likely to cause heart issues.