ADHD Treatment Medication
Treatment for ADHD in adults typically includes psychosocial therapy and medication. The treatments used to treat ADHD may include stimulants and nonstimulants.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine act on brain chemical messengers to improve concentration, mood and control of impulses. Atomoxetine and guanfacine, both of which are nonstimulant ADHD medications, may be prescribed to teens, adults or children who are not responsive to stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain, which helps people manage their behavior and pay attention. They have been proven to ease ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of children and adults. add adhd medications includes decreasing hyperactivity, fidgeting and interrupting, aiding with tasks and improving relationships. They also have been proven to boost academic performance and decrease absenteeism.
These drugs are typically taken orally. There are two kinds of these drugs: immediate-release (short acting) and extended-release. The long-acting version increases slowly in the bloodstream, and is able to wear off slower than the short-acting dosage. This helps to avoid the "crash" effect, which occurs when a drug wears off and causes symptoms to come back, including low mood and a feeling of hunger and low energy.
The most commonly used stimulant for teenagers and children is methylphenidate. It is available in pills that are chewed, swallowed orally and sometimes delivered via a patch. There are also amphetamines Adderall and Dexedrine, which are stronger and last longer than methylphenidate. Atomoxetine can be prescribed to adults and children older than 5 years old if other medications are not working or cause undesirable effects.
Amphetamines can affect the heart and are therefore not recommended for people who suffer from heart issues. They can also be misused which can lead to addiction.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are available, however they take longer to work and do not have the same effects. Nonstimulants, in conjunction with behavioral therapy are often used in multimodal treatment.
Certain studies have proven that a combination of medication and behavior therapy can improve the way people suffering from ADHD perform at home, school or work. Medication alone is not enough to manage the condition, and a lot of people with ADHD continue to struggle even though they are taking medication.
In these situations it is important to discuss with your doctor about alternatives to treatment are available. Psychoeducation is among the treatments that can help children as well as adults to be aware of their diagnosis of ADHD and develop strategies to deal with it. This is often combined behavioural therapy and skill training to improve the performance of those suffering from ADHD at work and school.
Certain ADHD medications may cause adverse effects however they are typically only temporary and last for a short time. Most of these go away as a person's body gets used to the medication, and if they persist in the future, your doctor might be able to alter the dosage or the type of medicine. It is crucial to tell your doctor about any changes in your mood, appetite, sleep or stomach upset you or your child experiences while on this medication. This information will help your doctor determine the right medication for you or your child. This is especially crucial if you have other medical conditions that could interact with the medication or increase your chance of experiencing side adverse effects.