Medications and Therapy For ADHD
A combination of therapy and medication can help manage ADHD symptoms. The brain is treated with medication while therapy helps individuals develop skills and cope.
adhd without medication like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, increase levels of two chemicals in the brain that transmit messages between cells. This increases attention, impulse control and motivation. The stimulants can cause side effects, such as sleeplessness, decreased appetite, and increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the first drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine which help the brain function normally. These medicines help improve focus and decrease hyperactivity, interrupting, and fidgeting. They also improve interpersonal relationships, help people complete tasks and get organized. But the effects don't last all day, and they can have serious side effects. These medications can cause personality changes in certain individuals, especially those who have a history of depression or Bipolar disorder. They may be introverted, unfocused or rigid, less active and talkative or develop symptoms of obsessive compulsive. They may also raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with a heart condition are at a higher risk of these side effects and should be monitored by a physician when taking stimulants.
Short-acting stimulants can be found in two doses. The ones that are peaking after a few hours require taking every day for a minimum of 3 times, whereas long-acting or extended release drugs work for 8-12 hours and are taken just once daily. Both kinds can have adverse effects on appetite, growth, and sleep, so it's important to consult with your doctor about how the medication may affect your child or you prior to taking it.
Be patient. It may take time to find the right medication and dosage for a person with ADHD. Your doctor will test different medications in small amounts to determine which ones can control symptoms the best and have the smallest amount of side effects. They may also have to alter the dosage depending on your or your child's response.
Side effects of ADHD medication can be uncomfortable or serious, but most go away after a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects include stomach upset, appetite loss and a rise in heart rate and blood pressure as well as tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or clearing of the throat). Some children and adolescents who take stimulants can experience a decrease in growth and a slight delay in their height.
If you stop taking the medication and experience symptoms, they could come back. It is important to discuss with your doctor if it's best for your child or yourself to continue. It is also important to check with your physician to make sure that the medication is working as intended and there aren't any side effects or problems.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD require more time to perform than stimulants, however they can boost attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They do not have the same potential for addiction or abuse as stimulants, but they do increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, and therefore there is a risk of abuse or dependence.
Some states have laws that require doctors to monitor patients who are taking certain medications, such as ADHD medications. These laws require them to meet with you or your child on a regular basis, either in person or via phone, to ensure that the medications are effective and safe, and to assess how the patient is doing. They can also monitor the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medication and also look for other symptoms such anxiety, depression or suicidal idea.