Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining therapy and medication can help to manage ADHD. The medication treats the brain, while therapy helps people manage and learn skills.
The stimulants like methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine can increase levels of two chemicals that transmit messages between cells within the brain. This increases attention and impulse control. The stimulants can cause side effects, such as insomnia, a decreased appetite, and increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first treatment tried for ADHD. They increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which help the brain function normally. These medicines improve focus and reduce hyperactivity, interrupting and fidgeting. They also improve relationships, help people complete tasks and become organized. The effects are not long-lasting and may cause serious side-effects. These medications can trigger personality changes in some people, especially those with a past history of depression or Bipolar disorder. They may become withdrawn or rigid, less talkative and spontaneous or exhibit signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. They may also raise blood pressure and heartbeat. Patients with heart conditions are at increased risk for these adverse effects and should be monitored by a doctor while taking stimulants.
Stimulants are available 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 medications last for between 8 and 12 hours and can be taken just once daily. 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 you or your child before taking it.
concerta adhd medication . It may take some time to determine the most effective medication and dosage for someone who has ADHD. Your doctor will try different medications in small doses to see which ones control the symptoms the best and cause the fewest negative side negative effects. They may have to adjust the dosage dependent on how you or your child reacts.
Side effects of ADHD medicine can be a bit uncomfortable or even serious, but they tend to go away within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite and a rise in heart rate and blood pressure, and tics (sudden, repetitive motions or sounds that sound like eye blinking or throat clearing). concerta adhd medication and adolescents who take stimulants may suffer from a slower growth and an increase in their height.
If you stop taking the medicine the symptoms could be recurred. It's important that you discuss with your doctor if it's best for your child or yourself to continue. You should also follow up with your physician regularly to ensure the medication is working and that there aren't any issues or side effects.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to perform than stimulants, however they can boost attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. While they don't have the same potential for abuse or dependence as stimulants do, they increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Certain states have laws that require doctors to observe patients taking certain medication. This includes ADHD medications. The law requires them to visit you or your child at regular intervals either in person or via phone, to make sure that the medications are effective and safe and to assess how the patient is doing. They are also able to monitor the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medications and look for other signs such as anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts.