ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge impact on the majority of children. But it's not the best choice for everyone. Parents should weigh the pros and cons with care.
Stimulants are among the most popular medicines doctors prescribe for ADHD. They can decrease hyperactivity, fidgeting, interrupting, and other symptoms. They can also cause side-effects like jitteriness and headaches.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the peripheral and central nervous system. They improve the transmission of signals in the brain which allows people to focus better and increase their ability to learn. They also improve productivity, alertness, and arousal, and reduce appetite. They can also cause side effects such as an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. Stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD but they can also be used to treat various ailments. People with ADHD are often faced with difficulties at work, school as well as in their relationships. They are often overly indecisive and have trouble planning ahead. Their mood can influence their behavior, like when they are angry or frustrated.
The use of medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to plan and stick with tasks, and manage their impulsive behaviors. It is not a cure for the condition, and a lot of people have symptoms even though they are taking medication. Some people have underlying issues, such as anxiety, depression, or drug abuse, which may contribute to their symptoms. These issues may require treatment with other treatments before the symptoms of ADHD can be resolved.
Methylphenidate is the main ingredient in all ADHD medication. Methylphenidate is released into the body in a short period of time, which means it is able to work quickly and be a rapid effect on mood. It is sometimes called Ritalin however, the same medicine is also available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer period, and can have an effect for up to four hours.
Due to the potential for misuse of stimulants, they are tightly controlled and can only by prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist (and sometimes GPs in special circumstances). They are prescribed only as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
Some evidence suggests that physical activity can help alleviate ADHD symptoms by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. A good night's sleep is crucial. Encourage your child or yourself to fall asleep at a regular time and to adhere to the same routine, particularly during meal times. Avoiding caffeinated drinks can also help.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines trigger receptors in the brain, thereby increasing the activity of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These are involved in cognitive functioning as well as motivation, movement and. They have been used to treat a wide variety of illnesses however, they are now mainly prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity. They can also be used for recreational purposes to improve athletic performance as well as for feelings of euphoria and energy.
They are available in various forms, ranging from a single capsule to extending-release tablets. The dosage is adapted according to the patient's weight, age, medical history, and the effects of the medication. They can be used by adults and children. adhd medication for adults uk are often used in conjunction with other medications to minimize the effects of side effects or help get through the day.
Stimulants are typically the first course of treatment for ADHD, and they are generally effective for most patients. They may take a while to determine the appropriate dose since every person reacts differently to the medication. Your health care professional will keep track of your child's bodily reactions until they can find an effective dose and will continue to monitor the effects over time to ensure that it is working.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavior therapy and medication is the most effective way to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists, however, believe that stimulants could cause serious side effects such as addiction and cardiovascular problems as well as psychiatric disorders, like bipolar disorder. They have also been linked to tics and Tourette syndrome in certain individuals.
A new study known as a "network meta-analysis" examined all the available evidence of the efficacy and safety of ADHD in adults of different drugs, ranging from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. This allowed researchers to compare the results of individual trials, even though they weren't directly tested against each other. The previous meta-analyses only focused on specific groups of patients or a single drug.
The study concluded that methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were more effective than other medications in decreasing ADHD symptoms. It recommended that these two drugs be considered first, and then switched to regular dexamfetamine in the event that one of them doesn't work or isn't tolerated. The other two medications to consider are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Some ADHD medication side effects resemble the symptoms of anxiety or depression. If your adult or child is taking ADHD medication, and you are also noticing signs of anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor immediately. You might need to add another medication to your treatment regimen or alter the medication.
They are not usually prescribed for depression only however they could be beneficial to those who have both depression and ADHD. They can reduce symptoms of depression such as fatigue and difficulty concentration, and also help control ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants aren't typically used to treat ADHD however they can be useful if stimulants don't work or cause unacceptable adverse side effects. The most commonly used antidepressant drugs are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but tricyclic antidepressants, like nortriptyline and imipramine, are often used to treat ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are also treated by taking the atypical antidepressant bupropion. It has been proven to decrease impulsivity and improve inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available and generally have a lower risk of abuse, however they may cause problems with agitation or insomnia in some people. Other adverse effects could include stomach upsets and headaches. These medications are available in long-acting formulations or extended-release forms that last between six to 16 hours. This can reduce the fluctuations of levels of drugs in the body. Many people take a dose in the morning of an extended-release, long-acting medication, and then consume an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon to cover the times when the initial medication starts to fade.
Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and develop new strategies for coping. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in ADHD depression, anxiety and ADHD. The assessment can be completed in just a minute and then be matched with an therapist within just 48 hours.
Other medicines
Non-stimulant medicines are often used to treat ADHD symptoms. These include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They are part of the family of antidepressants and work, in theory by increasing levels a chemical called norepinephrine. This helps nerves within the brain communicate with each other. This enhances concentration and decreases the frequency of impulses. They are less likely to suffer negative effects such as anxiety or insomnia in comparison to stimulant drugs.
Stimulant medications can have some undesirable side effects, such as an upset stomach and changes to blood pressure or heart rate. They can also cause the tics (spontaneous repetitive vocal or aural sounds) more noticeable and annoying. In addition, stimulant medications can slow growth and lead to weight loss in some children. These effects are temporary and your doctor will recommend the right dosage for you or your children.
There will be no real improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you have been taking the medication for at least three to four weeks. The doctor will closely watch your child or you and adjust the dosage if necessary. Treatment alone won't fix the problem, therefore it's crucial to speak with your child's health care provider regarding behavioral therapy, too.
Methylphenidate is the most common drug used to treat ADHD however, there are different types of stimulant medicine. Short-acting methylphenidate medicines such as Adderall and Ritalin release the medication rapidly into your system. They require multiple times per day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines, such as Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. They are available as liquids and tablets that can be swallowed or crushed, and tablets that quickly dissolve (Evekeo ODt) that dissolve immediately in the mouth. The two methylphenidate types while similar to amphetamines, are generally considered safer than amphetamines for young people. They are also less likely to cause heart problems or addiction. Amphetamines can last up to sixteen hours and are more powerful than methylphenidate. However they are more likely to cause heart problems.