ADHD Medications
Medicines are an essential component of treatment for ADHD. They don't cure the disorder, but they can aid in managing symptoms and improve an individual's ability to function.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants. They work by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Medication can cause adverse effects, such as stomach upset and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate, and the tics. These side effects are typically mild to moderate.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD. These medications increase brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. This helps people focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. A short-term adverse effect could include a loss of appetite or increased heart rate or bloodpressure. These medications can quickly improve symptoms of ADHD in the majority of people however, they cannot solve the problem. Your doctor will prescribe the best medication for you or your child based on the results of your ADHD evaluation and your tolerance to the medicine's adverse effects.
There are two primary types of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. The methylphenidate class includes Adderall and Ritalin. There are short-acting versions these drugs that you can take as needed, and longer-lasting versions like Adderall XR and Vyvanse that are taken once daily.
These medications are effective and are often prescribed to treat ADHD. However, they can be misused or misused, or even become addictive. People who do not suffer from ADHD sometimes take them to feel more alert and lose weight, or to get the sensation of a "buzz" or "high." When people with ADHD take these medications correctly under the guidance of their healthcare provider, they do not develop a dependence.
Finding the right stimulant medicine for your child or you will take some time. It is important to inform your doctor about any side effects you experience. Your doctor will then alter the dosage of your medication and determine which is best for you.
Loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate or blood pressure are all common side consequences of stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. They can also cause irritability or nervousness, especially when taken in higher doses. These side effects typically occur in the first few days or weeks after taking the medicine and then go away when your body is used to it.
If you have other health conditions, your doctor will need to take into consideration these conditions prior to prescribing any medication. For instance, if have an history of stroke or heart disease your doctor may not prescribe an stimulant. If adhd otc medication are suffering from depression or anxiety or depression, your doctor will not prescribe an stimulant. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe a nonstimulant or pair a stimulant with an anti-anxiety medication like Strattera (atomoxetine) to enhance their effectiveness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a bit longer to work, but are less likely than stimulants to be misused and misused. They are typically prescribed when stimulants fail to work or cause unpleasant adverse side effects.
As with other drugs, ADHD medicines are not available over-the-counter. Minerals and vitamins that claim to treat ADHD are not backed by science and may interfere with prescription medications. Your doctor can suggest specific diet changes that will aid in managing ADHD symptoms and decrease the need for medication. Your doctor may suggest the use of behavior therapy or training to help you better control impulses and organize yourself. Combining treatment is usually the most successful approach.