ADHD Medications
Medicines are an essential element of treatment for ADHD. They aren't able to cure the condition, but they can help control symptoms and enhance a person's ability to perform.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants. They help by enhancing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior, attention and other aspects.
Medication can cause side-effects like nausea, increased heart rate or blood pressure and antics. These side effects are usually mild to moderate.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that help people concentrate and decrease impulse-driven behavior. They can also cause temporary side effects, such as the loss of appetite, and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. These medications can quickly improve the symptoms of ADHD but they can't solve the problem. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate medication for you or your child based on the results of your ADHD assessment as well as your tolerance to the medication's side effects.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are the two main kinds of stimulant drugs. Adderall and Ritalin are methylphenidates. These drugs come in both long- and short-acting versions. Adderall XR, Vyvanse and Adderall XR are the longer-acting versions.
These medications are the most commonly used and effective in treating ADHD however, they do have a higher risk of misuse, abuse, and addiction. People who do not suffer from ADHD sometimes take them to feel more alert or lose weight, or to get a "buzz" or "high." People with ADHD who use these drugs in a controlled manner under the guidance and supervision by their health care provider do not become dependent on them.
Stimulant medicines can cause diverse side effects, and choosing the best one for you or your child will take time. Always inform your doctor if you have any adverse side effects. Your doctor will then alter the dosage of your medication and determine the best dosage for you.
The adverse effects of stimulant medications for ADHD include a loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. They can also cause irritability or nervousness, especially when taken in higher doses. These side effects usually occur in the initial few days or weeks of taking the medicine and then go away as your body gets used to it.
Your doctor will need to take into account your other health issues before prescribing a medicine. If you have a history of or heart disease, your doctor may not prescribe stimulants. If you suffer from depression or anxiety Your doctor will not prescribe any stimulant. In these instances your doctor might prescribe a nonstimulant or pair a stimulant and a calming medication such as Strattera (atomoxetine) to enhance their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant drugs for ADHD require a little longer to begin working however they are less likely to be misused or abused than stimulants. They are prescribed when stimulants do not perform or cause undesirable side effects.
adhd medication and pregnancy aren't available over-the-counter as are other medications. Minerals and vitamins that claim to treat ADHD are not backed by science and could interfere with prescription medications. Your doctor may suggest specific changes in your diet to aid in managing ADHD symptoms and decrease the need for medications. Your doctor may suggest behavioral therapy or skills training to help you better manage your impulses and keep yourself organized. Combined treatment is typically the most successful approach.