ADHD Medications
The role of medications is crucial in the management of ADHD symptoms. They regulate neurotransmitters in the brain to lessen symptoms.
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamines (Adderall, Eveko, Daytrana) are the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase dopamine levels and improve focus and attention.
The side effects of stimulants are stomach upset, changes in blood pressure or heartbeat and the tics.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that speed up the way your brain functions, making you more alert and active. They can improve the symptoms of ADHD when taken in the prescribed manner however, every person reacts differently and may experience distinct negative effects. If add adhd medications takes stimulants, you'll need visit a doctor regularly for checkups and adjustments to dosage.
The most popular stimulants for ADHD are methylphenidates. They include Ritalin and generic versions of it. The other most popular type are amphetamines, like Adderall and Dexedrine which are more potent than the methylphenidate medicines. These medications can increase your or your child's heart rate, and they can lead to addiction in some people. They can also raise blood pressure and induce insomnia, which is why they're not recommended for individuals with an history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
The adverse effects of stimulants include sleep problems as well as jitters, appetite suppression headaches, and relapse (a sudden recurrence of symptoms after the medication has wore off). They can cause psychiatric disorders, such as aggression, hostility and depression. When used in the doses prescribed to treat ADHD they aren't habit-forming, but can be abused by teens and young people who make use of them to aid in studying or as energy boosters.
There are several long-acting or extended release amphetamine and methylphenidate medications that can be beneficial for people with ADHD, as well as the newest medication called Lisdexamfetamine. The drugs release the medication slowly over a prolonged period of time. This prevents the peaks and valleys caused by the fluctuating levels of the medication in your body. It also reduces the risk of rebound effects when ADHD symptoms return after the drug wears out.
Other drugs can be used to treat ADHD but they do not contain stimulants, and have lower levels of addiction and abuse. They are often more efficient in treating ADHD in those who don't have a mental illness However, they can cause adverse effects that can be difficult to manage for children in school or in social settings.
If your child is on ADHD medications, they must to be taken regularly at the same time each day. They may need to be reminded by their parents or teacher, and some kids need to have reminders written on their calendars. It could take a bit of trial and error before you find the right dosage and medication that works best for your child. Moreover, they should see their doctor regularly to check how well the medication is effective. Children suffering from ADHD also need to be taught coping skills to deal with their symptoms, for example, learning to manage their time and schedule. They should also be taught how to solicit help when needed. Children with ADHD require therapy to help them develop the skills they need to succeed in school and throughout life. Insurance usually covers these therapies. The right treatment can make a big difference in your child's or your own's quality of life.