ADHD Treatment Medication
Treatment for ADHD for adults usually involves medication and psychosocial therapy. The drugs used to treat ADHD can include stimulants as well as nonstimulants.
Stimulants like methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine work on chemical messengers in the brain to improve concentration, mood and control of impulses. Atomoxetine and Guanfacine are both non-stimulant ADHD drugs that are offered to adults, teenagers or children if they don't respond to stimulants.
Stimulants
The most popular medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They boost the levels neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain, which helps people manage their behavior and pay attention. They have been proven to ease ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80percent of adults and children. This includes reducing hyperactivity, interrupting and fidgeting and helping with the completion of tasks and improve relationships. They have also been proven to improve academic performance and reduce absenteeism.
These drugs are typically taken orally. They are available in two forms: immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release. The longer-acting ones build up gradually in the bloodstream, and they wear off more slowly than short-acting doses. This prevents what is known as the "crash effect" which can occur when the person's medication has run its course and causes symptoms to come back, like low energy, bad mood, and feelings of hunger.
The most frequently used stimulant for adolescents and children is methylphenidate. It comes in pills that are chewed, swallowed orally and sometimes, a patch is used to deliver it. There are also the amphetamines Adderall and Dexedrine which are more potent and last longer than methylphenidate. There's also atomoxetine that was recently licensed to be used for adults and children over the age of 5, when other medications don't work or cause unwanted side effects.
Amphetamines may affect the heart, so they may not be as suitable for those suffering from heart issues. They can be abused and lead to addiction.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are available, but they are more difficult to use and do not have the same effects. Nonstimulants, along with behavioral therapy, are commonly employed in multimodal therapy.
adhd medication have demonstrated that the combination of medication and behavior therapy can improve the way people with ADHD function at school, at home or at work. The use of medication alone isn't enough to manage the disorder, and many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle despite taking medication.
In these cases it is important to discuss with your doctor what other options for treatment are available. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that can assist children as well as adults to recognize the signs of ADHD and develop strategies for dealing with it. This is often combined behavioural therapy and skill training to improve the performance of those suffering from ADHD at work and school.
While some ADHD medication can cause negative side effects, they tend to be minor and last only a short time. The majority of these disappear when the body is used to the medication and if they persist in the future, your doctor might be able to change the dosage or the type of medicine. It is very important to tell your doctor about any changes in your mood, appetite, sleep or stomach upsets that your child or you experience while on this medication. This information can help your doctor determine the best medication for you or your child. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you suffer from other health conditions which may affect the medication and increase your risk of having side effects.