Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining therapy and medication can help to manage ADHD. The medication treats the brain while therapy helps people cope and learn skills.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, increase levels of two chemical substances in the brain that pass messages between cells. This can increase attention and impulse control. Stimulants may cause negative side effects, like sleeplessness, weight loss and an increase in heart rate and bloodpressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first drugs used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which aid the brain to function normally. These medications help improve focus and decrease the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also improve interpersonal relationships, and help people complete tasks and become organized. The effects aren't long-lasting and can cause serious side effects. These medications can cause personality changes in some individuals, especially those with a history of depression or Bipolar disorder. They may be introverted, unfocused or rigid, less spontaneous and talkative, or develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. These adverse effects are more likely to happen in people with heart issues. They must be monitored closely by their physician while taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants can be found in two different dosages. Those that peak after several hours need to be taken at least three times per day, whereas long-acting or extended release drugs last between 8 and 12 hours and can be taken just once daily. Both types can have negative side effects on sleep, appetite, and growth. Talk to Read the Full Write-up before taking either type about possible side effects.
Be patient. It may take time to find the right dosage and medication for someone who has ADHD. Your doctor will try different medications in small amounts to determine which ones control the symptoms best and have the least negative side consequences. They may also need to adjust the dosage, according to your or your child's response.
The side effects of ADHD medication can be serious or a nuisance, but they usually go away within several weeks or days as your body gets used to the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate and tics (sudden repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or clearing of the throat). Children and teens who take stimulants may experience a reduction in growth or a slight delay of their height at the end of the day.
The symptoms may recur after the medicine is stopped and it's crucial to talk with your doctor whether it's right for you or your child to continue taking it. It is also important to check with your doctor to confirm that the medication is working as it should and there are no side negative effects or issues.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are more difficult to use, but can improve attention as well as reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although they don't carry as much of a risk 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 keep track of patients taking certain medications, including ADHD medicines. These laws require that doctors meet with you or your child regularly in person or by phone, to ensure that the medication is safe and effective and to monitor the patient's progress. They are also able to monitor the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medication and look for other signs such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.