ADHD Medications
Medicines are an essential component of treatment for ADHD. They are not able to cure the disorder, but they can aid in managing symptoms.
The most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD are stimulants. They work by increasing the activity in brain areas that control attention and behaviour.
Medication can cause side effects like stomach upset as well as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate, and tics. These side effects are typically mild to moderate.
Stimulants
adhd without medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. These are medicines that increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which aid in focusing and reduce the impulsive behavior. A few short-term side effects could include a loss of appetite, increased heart rate or blood pressure. These medications can quickly alleviate symptoms of ADHD for the majority of people, however, they cannot solve the problem. Your doctor will prescribe the medication based upon your ADHD evaluation results as well as your tolerance to the adverse effects of the medicine.
non stimulant adhd medication and methylphenidates are the two most common kinds of stimulant drugs. The methylphenidate group includes Adderall and Ritalin. These drugs come in short-acting and long-acting versions. Adderall XR, Vyvanse and Adderall XR are the longer-acting versions.
Medications in this group are the most popular and effective treatments for ADHD, but they do have a high potential for misuse, abuse, and addiction. People who do not suffer from ADHD often use them to be more alert and lose weight, or to get a "buzz" or "high." If people who suffer from ADHD take these medications correctly under the direction of their doctor they will not become addicted.
Finding the right stimulant medication for your child or you may take time. It's important to tell your doctor about any side effects that you have. Your doctor will adjust the dosage of your medication and determine what is best for you.
A decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increased blood pressure or heart rate are all possible side effects of stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. They can also cause irritability and anxiety, particularly in higher doses. These side effects are usually felt in the initial few weeks or days after taking the medication, and will fade when your body is accustomed to it.
Your doctor must examine your other health conditions before prescribing a medicine. For instance, if you have an antecedent history of stroke or heart disease the doctor may not prescribe a stimulant. The same applies for those suffering from anxiety or depression. In these situations, your doctor will prescribe a non-stimulant medication or a stimulant combined with a calming medicine such as Strattera(atomoxetine), to improve the effectiveness of both.
Nonstimulant drugs for ADHD take a little longer to start working but they are less likely to be misused or abused as stimulants. They are prescribed when stimulants do not perform or cause undesirable side effects.
As with other drugs, ADHD medicines are not available over-the-counter. Vitamins and minerals that claim to treat ADHD are not backed by science and could interfere with prescription medications. Your doctor may recommend specific changes to your diet that could help manage ADHD symptoms and reduce the need for medication. Your doctor might suggest behavioral therapy or skills training to help you manage your impulses and keep yourself organized. Combining treatment is typically the most effective strategy.