How To Identify The Medication For ADHD Right For You
Medications and Therapy For ADHD Combining medication and therapy can help control ADHD. The medication treats the brain, while therapy helps people cope and improve their skills. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine increase the levels of two chemicals that transmit messages between cells within the brain. This increases attention and impulse control. The stimulants can cause negative side effects, like insomnia, a loss of appetite and an increase in heart rate and bloodpressure. adhd and medication are often the first medication used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of norepinephrine and dopamine which aid the brain to function normally. These drugs improve focus and reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity, and fidgeting. They also aid people to achieve their goals, stay organized and improve relationships. The effects are not long-lasting and can cause serious side effects. Certain people, especially those with an underlying depression or bipolar disorder, can have personality changes while taking these medications. They may be introverted, unfocused or rigid, less sociable and talkative or develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with heart conditions are more susceptible to these side effects, and should be monitored closely by a doctor while taking stimulants. Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. They are those that peak after a few hours need to be taken every day for a minimum of 3 times, while long-acting or extended-release drugs last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once per day. Both kinds are prone to adverse effects on appetite, growth and sleep, so it's important to talk with your doctor about how the medication may affect your child or you prior to taking it. It can take time to find the right medication and dosage for someone with ADHD Be patient. Your doctor will try different medications in small amounts to determine which ones can control symptoms the best and cause the fewest side effects. They may also have to adjust the dosage, in accordance with your child's reaction. The side effects of ADHD medicine can be bothersome or serious, but most go away after a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medicine. Common side effects include stomach upset, appetite loss and a rise in heart rate and blood pressure as well as tics (sudden, repetitive motions or sounds that sound like eye blinking or clearing of the throat). Some children and teenagers who take stimulants might experience a reduction in growth or a slight delay of their final height. The symptoms may recur after the medication is stopped therefore it's essential to discuss with your doctor whether it's appropriate for you or your child to continue taking it. It is important to follow up with your doctor on a regular basis to ensure the medication is working and there aren't any issues or side effects. Non-stimulant medications for ADHD take longer to perform than stimulants, however they can improve focus and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. They do not have the same risk for abuse or addiction as stimulants, but they do increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, so there is a chance of dependence or misuse. Some states have laws that require doctors to keep track of patients who are taking certain medications. This includes ADHD medications. These laws require that doctors meet with you or your child regularly in person or by phone, in order to ensure that the medication is safe and effective and to evaluate the patient's improvement. They can also assess the effectiveness of your child's ADHD medication and examine other symptoms like a depression, anxiety or suicidal idea.