ADHD Treatment Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with psychosocial therapy and medications. The treatments used to treat ADHD may include stimulants as well as nonstimulants.
Stimulants, such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, work on chemical messengers within the brain to boost mood concentration, concentration and control of impulses. Atomoxetine and Guanfacine are both non-stimulant ADHD medications that can be offered to adults, teenagers or children if they don't respond to stimulants.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They help people pay attention and manage their behavior. It has been proven that they can help ease ADHD symptoms for 70 - 80percent of adults and children. This includes cutting down on hyperactivity, interrupting and fidgeting, helping to finish tasks and enhancing relationships. In addition they have been proven to reduce absenteeism as well as improve academic performance.
The majority of these drugs are taken orally. They are available in two kinds: immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release. The longer-acting form builds up slowly in the bloodstream, and then wears off more slowly than the shorter-acting dosage. This helps avoid what is called the "crash effect" which can happen when a person's medication wears off and triggers symptoms to come back, like low energy, bad mood, and feelings of hunger.
adhd treatment medication used stimulant for teenagers and children is methylphenidate. It is available in chewable pills, oral patches, and tablets that can be swallowed. There are also the amphetamines Adderall and Dexedrine that are more potent and last longer than methylphenidate. There is also atomoxetine, which can be prescribed to adults and children older than 5 years old if other medications fail to work or cause undesirable effects.
Amphetamines can affect the heart, which is why they might not be suitable for people with heart problems. They can also be abused and cause addiction.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are available, however they are more difficult to use and do not have the same effects. Nonstimulants are usually used in conjunction with behavioral therapy and are often called multimodal treatment.
Certain studies have demonstrated that a combination between therapy and medication can improve the way people suffering from ADHD perform in their daily life, whether at work, school or at home. Medication alone is not enough to treat the condition, and many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle even though they are taking medication.
In these situations it is essential to talk to your doctor about other options are available. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that can help children teens, adults and children be aware of their diagnosis of ADHD, and learn strategies for dealing with it. This is often coupled with behavioural therapy as well as skills training, which can improve the way people with ADHD perform at school and at work.
While certain ADHD medications may cause adverse effects, they tend to be mild and last only a short time. Most side effects disappear as the body gets used to the medication. If they do persist and persist, the doctor might be able change the dosage or type. Inform your doctor if you or your child are experiencing any changes in mood or appetite, or if they have difficulty sleeping or experience stomach upsets. This information will assist your doctor determine the best medication for your child or yourself. This is particularly important if you have any other health issues that could interact with the medication or increase your risk of side adverse effects.