ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?
ADHD medication can make a huge impact on the majority of children. However, it's not for all children. Parents should weigh the pros and cons with care.
The most frequently prescribed medication by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. They can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity, fidgeting and interrupting, and other symptoms. But they can also cause negative side effects such as jitteriness stomachaches, headaches and high blood pressure.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They boost the transmission of signals to the brain which allows people to concentrate more effectively and increase their ability to learn. They also boost efficiency, alertness, and the level of arousal, as well as reduce appetite. They can also cause negative side effects like an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure. The use of stimulants can treat a variety of ailments but they are often prescribed for ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may have problems at school, work or in their relationships. They are often overly impulsive, and have difficulty planning ahead. Their mood can affect their behavior, for instance when they are angry or irritable.
Medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to plan and stay on track with tasks, as well as manage their impulsive behavior. It is not a cure for the condition, and many people still experience symptoms even when taking medication. There are some who have underlying issues that contribute to their symptoms, including anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. These issues may need to be treated with other therapies before the symptoms of ADHD can be addressed.
Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in all ADHD medications. Methylphenidate has a rapid effect because it is released into the body in a short amount of time. It also has an immediate effect on mood. It is also known as Ritalin. However the same medication can be purchased under the brand name Ritalin LA. This medication is released over a longer time and may last for a long time.
Due to the possibility of abuse, stimulants are closely controlled and can only be prescribed by a paediatrician, neurologists or psychiatrists (and sometimes GPs in exceptional situations). They are prescribed only as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
There is evidence to suggest that physical exercise can ease the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. It is also important to get enough sleep. Encourage your child or adult to go to bed at a regular time and to stick to a consistent routine, especially for meals. Avoiding drinks that contain caffeine can aid in reducing stress.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines activate receptors in the brain and enhance the activity of neurotransmitters including dopamine and norepinephrine. These are involved in cognitive function, movement and motivation. They are used to treat a wide variety of ailments, but they are now mainly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, as well as obesity. Also, they are abused recreationally to enhance the performance of athletes and to feel euphoric.
These drugs come in many forms, from a single tablet to extended-release capsules. The dosage is adjusted based on the patient's weight, age medical history, weight, and the effects of the drug. Both adults and children can take these drugs. They are often used in conjunction with other medications to minimize side effects or help people get through the day.
Stimulants are typically the first line of treatment for ADHD and are effective in most cases. It can take time to determine the appropriate dose, as each person reacts differently to the medication. Your doctor will be monitoring the body reactions of your child or you until they determine the appropriate dose. They will continue to monitor the dosage over time to make sure it is functioning properly.
Many experts believe that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is the most effective method to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists believe that stimulants are over-prescribed and can cause dangerous side effects, like cardiovascular issues as well as addiction and psychiatric issues like bipolar disorder. They've been linked to tics and Tourette syndrome in certain individuals.
A new study, dubbed a "network meta-analysis" looked at all available evidence on the effectiveness and safety for ADHD in adults who take various drugs, from methylphenidate, to dextroamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Researchers could compare results from individual studies, even though they had not been directly tested against one another. Previous meta-analyses have only focused on specific groups of patients, or a single drug.
The study found that all the drugs studied were effective in reducing ADHD symptoms however methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were more effective than other medications. It was suggested that these two drugs be first tried, and then switched to standard dexamfetamine if one fails or isn't well-tolerated. The other two options to consider are atomoxetine or guanfacine.
Antidepressants
Many people who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from anxiety or depression, and some ADHD medication side effects appear like symptoms from other mental health issues. If best adhd medication for adults or child is taking ADHD medication, and you notice signs of depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor right away. You might need to add another medication to your treatment plan, or change the medication.
They are not usually prescribed for only depression, but can be beneficial for people who suffer from both depression and ADHD. They reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and trouble concentrating while controlling ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Antidepressants typically do not treat ADHD. However they can be helpful when stimulants do not work or cause unwanted adverse side effects. The most commonly used antidepressant drugs are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine and nortriptyline, are often used to treat ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated by taking the atypical antidepressant bupropion. It has been demonstrated to reduce impulsivity as well as improve inattention.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available and typically have a lower chance of abuse, however they could cause problems with insomnia or agitation in some people. Other adverse effects could include stomach upset and headaches. These medications can be prescribed in extended-release formulations or long-acting forms that last between six and 16 hours. This could decrease the fluctuation of levels of drugs in the body. Many people supplement a longer-acting or extended-release medication taken in the morning with an instant-release dose taken mid- to late afternoon to cover the periods of the day when first medication starts to wear off.
Therapy can help people break bad habits and learn new ways to cope. BetterHelp is an online service that connects users with licensed, accredited therapists that specialize in ADHD as well as depression and anxiety. It takes just one minute to take a test, and you'll be matched to a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Other medicines
Many people suffering from ADHD use non-stimulant medications to help manage their symptoms. These include atomoxetine also known as Strattera and viloxazine known as Qelbree. They are in the family of antidepressants and function, in theory by increasing levels the chemical norepinephrine. This helps nerves in the brain pass messages to each other which improves focus and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. They are also less likely to cause adverse effects like insomnia or appetite suppression than stimulant drugs.
Stimulant medications can cause undesirable side effects like an upset stomach or changes in blood pressure or heartbeat. They can also cause tics (spontaneous repetitive movements or vocal sounds) more noticeable and annoying. Stimulant medication can also delay growth and lead to weight loss in some children. These effects are usually temporary and a doctor will prescribe a dose that is appropriate for you or your child.
You will not see any real improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you have been taking the medication for a minimum of three to four weeks. The doctor will track your or your child's progress closely and adjust the dose if necessary. Medication alone won't solve the problem, so it's essential to speak with your child's health care provider about a behavioral therapy program as well.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD however, is not the only choice. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medicines release the medication rapidly into your system. They should be taken multiple times per every day. Long-acting methylphenidate medications like Evekeo or Ritalin SR release the medication gradually throughout the day. They are available as tablets that can be swallowed, crushed, as liquids and as quick-dissolve tablets that dissolve in the mouth (Evekeo ODT). Both of these types of methylphenidate are comparable to amphetamine, but are generally regarded as safer for children than amphetamines. They are less likely to cause addiction or heart issues. Amphetamines can last for up to sixteen hours and are more powerful than methylphenidate. However they are more likely to cause heart issues.