Medications and Therapy For ADHD
Combining therapy and medication can help control ADHD. The medication treats the brain, while therapy helps patients cope and learn skills.
Stimulants like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, boost levels of two chemicals in the brain, which transmit messages between cells. This improves the rate of attention and impulse control. The stimulants can have side effects such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Stimulants
The stimulants medications are often the first treatment to be tried for ADHD. They increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which help the brain function normally. These medications improve focus and reduce hyperactivity, interruptions and fidgeting. They also improve relationships, help people complete tasks and get organized. But medication for adhd don't last for long, and they can have serious side effects. Some people, especially those with an underlying bipolar disorder or depression, might experience personality changes when taking these drugs. They may become introverted, unfocused or rigid, less active and talkative or develop symptoms of obsessive compulsive. They may also raise blood pressure and heartbeat. Patients with heart conditions are more susceptible to these side effects and should be closely monitored by a physician when taking stimulants.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. They are those that peak after a few hours should be taken every day for a minimum of 3 times, while long-acting or extended-release medications last for between 8 and 12 hours and can be taken only once a day. Both types may have negative effects on sleep, appetite, and growth. Consult your physician before taking either type regarding the potential side effects.
Be patient. It can take some time to determine the most effective dosage and medication for a person with ADHD. Your doctor will test different medications in small amounts to determine which ones can control symptoms best and have the fewest adverse negative effects. They may have to alter the dosage according to how your child or you reacts.
Side effects of ADHD medicine can be a bit uncomfortable or even serious, but they tend to disappear after a few days or weeks as your body gets used to the medicine. Common side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite and a rise in heart rate and blood pressure, and tics (sudden repetition of movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing). Children and teens who take stimulants might have a slower growth rate or a slight delay in their final height.
If you stop taking the medication the symptoms could come back. It's crucial to discuss with your doctor if it's better for your child or yourself to continue. It is important to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that the medication is working and there are no problems or adverse side effects.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications require longer time to work however they can help improve attention as well as reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although they don't have as much of a potential for abuse or dependence as stimulants do, they do increase levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine within the brain.
Some states have laws that require doctors to monitor patients who are taking certain medications. This includes ADHD medicines. These laws require doctors to meet you or your child on a regular basis in person, or by phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective and to assess the person's development. They can also assess the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medications and also look for other signs such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thought.