Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining medication and therapy can help control ADHD. Medications treat the brain and therapy helps people learn strategies and cope.
The stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine increase the levels of two chemicals that transmit messages between cells within the brain. This can increase the ability to focus, impulse control and motivation. The stimulants can have side effects, such as sleeplessness, weight loss and an increase in heart rate and bloodpressure.
Stimulants
The stimulants medications are often the first treatment for ADHD. They increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which help the brain function normally. These drugs improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also improve interpersonal relationships, and help people complete tasks and get organized. But the effects don't last for a long time, and they can have serious adverse effects. Certain people, particularly those who have a history of bipolar disorder or depression, might experience personality changes while taking these medications. They might become more withdrawn or rigid more withdrawn, less sociable and spontaneous or exhibit signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. They may also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with heart conditions are at a higher risk of these side effects and should be monitored by a physician when taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants are available in two doses. The stimulants that are peaking within a few hours have to be taken two times a day. Long-acting drugs or ones with extended release function for 8-12 hour and can only be taken twice a week. Both types can have negative effects on growth, appetite, and sleep, so it's important to talk to your doctor about how the medication may affect you or your child prior to taking it.
Be patient. It can take some time to determine the most effective dosage and medication for someone with ADHD. Your doctor will test various medications in small doses to determine which ones control the symptoms the best and cause the smallest amount of adverse negative effects. They may also have to adjust the dosage, according to your or your child's response.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can be a serious or uncomfortable, but they usually disappear after several weeks or days as your body gets accustomed to the medicine. Common side effects include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure and tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or clearing of the throat). Certain teenagers and children who take stimulants might have a slower growth rate or a slight delay of their final height.
The symptoms can recur if the medicine is stopped, so it's important to discuss with your doctor whether it's appropriate for you or your child to continue taking the medication. You should also check in with your doctor to confirm that the medication is working as planned and there aren't any side consequences or issues.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications require longer time to work but they can improve attention as well as reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although they don't have as much of a potential for dependence or abuse as stimulants do, they do increase levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain.
Some states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients who are taking certain medication. This includes ADHD medications. adhd medications require doctors to meet you or your child regularly in person, or via phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective and to evaluate the patient's progress. They are also able to monitor the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medication, as well as look for other signs such as anxiety, depression or suicidal thought.