ADHD Medications
In addition to therapy and counseling People with ADHD can benefit from taking certain medications. These medications regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals that improve attention and reduce hyperactivity.
adhd medication might take some time to determine the most effective medication for you. Your health care provider will watch how the medicine works and help you create a schedule that fits your requirements.
Stimulants
Certain medications that affect brain chemicals that are involved in ADHD can aid in improving concentration, focus, and impulse control. Doctors prescribe two types of drugs: stimulants and no-stimulants. The kind of medication that is right for your child or yourself will depend on your medical history as well as the severity of your symptoms.
Stimulants are the most popular ADHD medication used to treat ADHD. They increase the dopamine levels of your brain, which boosts the ability to focus and decreases hyperactivity. They are available in both short- and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last for just a few hours, while long-acting ones remain in the body all day long.
Most children who have ADHD use stimulant medication however, they can also be employed to treat adults suffering from the disorder. Most doctors recommend starting with a lower dosage and gradually increasing to the appropriate amount. adhd medication may take time to find the best dosage for your child or yourself, and you may need regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to alter the dosage.
The effects of stimulant medication are usually mild and disappear within some days. They can result in a decreased appetite, trouble sleeping and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. Your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of any side effects if you or your child has a medical condition which increases this risk.
In some instances, stimulants taken in high doses can cause sudden increases in heart palpitations, blood pressure or even seizures. These medications are not recommended for people with an ancestor with a history of heart disease, or for those with a history of drug abuse. Stimulants may also worsen some psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression. Consult your physician to determine if they're appropriate for you or your children.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication is less likely to cause serious side effects, and it's often a second-line treatment option for those who do not react to stimulants. They include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) or clonidine (Kapvay) or guanfacine (Intuniv). They may also be prescribed "off-label" to treat other disorders, including depression or anxiety.
Drisperidone and Methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. Both are available in tablet, liquid and capsule forms. Tablets are usually taken twice a day or once a day by mouth. Guanfacine and Atomoxetine are available as extended-release tablets that you or your child could wear on the hip (Intuniv and Intuniv XR). These pills are intended to be worn for a few weeks at a time until they need to be replaced. All ADHD medication comes with some risk, and there's always the chance that they will not be effective or cause adverse side effects. For a large number of people, particularly children and teenagers the risks are greater than the benefits. The ability to concentrate, focus and manage impulses can make a huge difference in their lives.