ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medicine can make a huge impact on the lives of children. However, it's not for everyone. Parents must weigh the pros and con.
The most commonly prescribed medication by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They can reduce hyperactivity, fidgeting, interrupting and other signs. They can also cause side-effects like headaches and jitteriness.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that increase the activity of the peripheral and central nervous systems. They enhance the transmission of brain signals which helps people concentrate better and improve their learning ability. They also increase productivity, alertness, and the level of arousal, as well as reduce appetite. They can also cause side effects such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions but they are often prescribed for ADHD. People with ADHD can suffer from problems at school, at work and in their relationships. They are usually impulsive and have trouble planning ahead. Their behavior can also be affected by their moods and mood, for example, being extremely angry or frustrated.
Medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to plan and stay on track on tasks, and also manage their impulsive behavior. It's not a cure and many sufferers continue to have symptoms even though they are taking medication. Certain people also have other issues that contribute to their symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. These issues may require treatment using other therapies before the symptoms of ADHD are able to be eliminated.
Methylphenidate is an active ingredient in all ADHD medication. Methylphenidate enters the body in a brief amount of time, meaning it can be a rapid effect on mood. It is also referred to as Ritalin. However the same medication can be purchased under the brand name Ritalin LA. This medication is released over a longer period of time and may be a long-lasting effect.
Due to the risk of abuse of stimulants, they are tightly controlled and only prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist (and sometimes GPs in special circumstances). They are generally only recommended as a last resort, after all other treatments have been exhausted.
Some evidence suggests that physical activity can help reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of brain chemicals like dopamine serotonin and norepinephrine. It is also essential to get enough rest. Encourage your child or yourself to go to sleep at a regular time and to adhere to the same routine, particularly during mealtimes. Refraining from drinking caffeinated drinks may aid.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate receptors in the brain, thereby increasing the activity of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine. These are involved in cognitive functioning as well as motivation, movement and. They are used to treat a wide range of conditions however, they are now mostly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, as well as obesity. They are also abused as a recreational drug to improve athletic performance and for feelings of euphoria and energy.
These drugs come in many forms, ranging from one tablet to extended-release capsules. The dosage is typically adjusted to suit the weight and age of the patient and medical background and the way in which the drug affects the patient. Children and adults can take them. They are often combined with other medications to minimize side effects or help people get through the day.
Stimulants are often the initial treatment option for ADHD, and they are generally effective in most patients. It can take time to find the right dosage, as each person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will monitor the body reactions of your child or you until they can determine the correct dose. They will continue to monitor the dosage over time to ensure that it is effective.
Many experts believe that a mix treatment of medication and behavior therapy is the best option for treating ADHD. Some psychiatrists believe that stimulants are over-prescribed and have potentially dangerous side effects, including cardiovascular problems addiction, psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular problems like bipolar disorder. There have been reports of symptoms of tics or Tourette syndrome when taking stimulants.
A new study, known as a network meta-analysis, examined all available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of various medications for ADHD in adults, ranging from the methylphenidate drug to dextroamphetamine, atom. Researchers were able to compare results from individual trials even when they were not directly tested against one another. Meta-analyses previously only examined certain populations of patients or one drug.
The study concluded that all the drugs tested aid in reducing ADHD symptoms however methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were more effective than other medications. It was suggested that these two drugs be considered first, and then switching to standard dexamfetamine if either fails or isn't well-tolerated. The other two medications to look at are atomoxetine as well as Guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Many people with ADHD may also suffer from anxiety or depression Some ADHD medication side effects can look like symptoms from other mental health disorders. Consult see this if you notice signs of depression or anxiousness in your child or an adult who is taking ADHD medication. It may be necessary to modify the dosage or add something else to your treatment plan.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't typically prescribed for depression, but they can be beneficial for those suffering from the combination of depression and ADHD. They reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and difficulty concentrating while controlling ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Antidepressants typically do not treat ADHD. However, they can be helpful when stimulants do not work or cause unwanted adverse effects. The most commonly used antidepressant drugs are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine, are sometimes used to treat ADHD. The typical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is also commonly employed to treat ADHD in adults and has been proven to improve impulsivity and inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available, and typically have a lower risk of abuse, but they could cause problems with agitation or insomnia in certain people. Other adverse effects could include headaches and stomach upset. These medications are usually prescribed in extended-release formulations or long-acting forms that last between six to 16 hours. This could lower the fluctuations in drug levels within the body. Many people supplement a longer-acting or extended-release medication in the morning with an immediate release dose taken mid- to late afternoon to cover periods of the day when first medication starts to wear off.
Therapy can be a complement to treatments for ADHD by helping people learn new coping techniques and helping them break bad habits. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed, accredited therapists specializing in ADHD, depression and anxiety. The assessment can be completed in just a minute and then be matched with a therapist within 48 hours.
Other medications
Non-stimulant drugs are frequently employed to treat ADHD symptoms. These include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They belong to the family of antidepressants and work, in theory by increasing levels of a chemical called norepinephrine. This helps nerves in the brain transmit messages to one another, which improves concentration and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They are also less likely to cause adverse effects like sleepiness or appetite suppression than stimulant medications.
The use of stimulants can trigger undesirable side effects like an upset stomach and changes in heartbeat or blood pressure. They can also cause the tics (spontaneous repeated movements or vocal sounds) more apparent and irritating. Some children can also experience growth retardations and weight loss when taking stimulant medication. These effects are usually short-lived, and your doctor will prescribe a dose that is right for you or your child.
Your child must be on medication for 3 to 4 weeks before you will notice an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. The doctor will closely monitor your child or you and adjust the dosage if necessary. The issue can't be resolved with medication alone, therefore you should discuss behavioral therapy with your child's physician.
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used to treat ADHD however there are other types of stimulant medicine. Short-acting methylphenidate medications like Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system. They require multiple times per 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 immediately in the mouth. Both of these types of methylphenidate have a similar structure to amphetamine, however they are generally regarded to be safer for children than amphetamines. They are also less likely to cause heart issues and addiction. Amphetamines are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last up to 16 hours, but they're much more likely to cause heart problems.