ADHD Medications
Medications are an important component of treatment for ADHD. They don't cure the disorder, but they can aid in managing symptoms and enhance a person's ability to function.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD. They help by enhancing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior, attention, and other functions.
Some medications can cause side effects like nausea, increased blood pressure or heartbeat, and the tics. These side effects are typically mild or moderate.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase brain chemicals like norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which helps people focus and reduces impulse-driven behaviors. They can also cause short-term side effects such as the loss of appetite, and an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. These medications can quickly improve the symptoms of ADHD however they do not solve it. Your doctor will prescribe the right medication for your child or you in accordance with the results of your ADHD assessment and your tolerance to the medication's side effects.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are two most popular types of stimulant medications. 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.
They are safe and are often prescribed to treat ADHD. However they are also prone to misuse or abused, and can become addictive. Some people who don't suffer from ADHD utilize these medications to feel more alert or to shed weight. They may also take them for an "buzz", or some form of "high." If people who suffer from ADHD use these medicines properly under the guidance by their physician they don't develop a dependence.
Finding the right stimulant medication for you or your children may take time. Always inform your doctor if you experience any adverse side effects. Your doctor will alter the dosage of your medication and decide what is best for you.
The side effects of stimulant medication for ADHD include weight loss as well as trouble sleeping. They can also cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also cause irritability and nervousness, especially when taken in higher doses. These side effects are typically felt in the initial few weeks or days of taking the medication, and will fade when your body is accustomed to it.
If you have any other health issues, your doctor will need to consider them before prescribing any medicine. If you have a history of or heart disease your doctor might not prescribe stimulants. This is also true when you suffer from anxiety or depression. In these situations your doctor might prescribe a nonstimulant or pair a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication like Strattera (atomoxetine) to improve their effectiveness.
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take a little longer to start working however they are less likely to be misused or abused than stimulants. a fantastic read are often prescribed when stimulants do not work or have unpleasant side effects.
ADHD medications are not available as over-the-counter medications like other medicines. Vitamins and minerals claimed to treat ADHD are not supported by science and may interfere with prescription medications. Your doctor can recommend specific changes to your diet that could help manage ADHD symptoms and reduce the need for medication. Your doctor may also suggest behavior therapy and skills training to help you improve your ability to manage the impulses that cause anxiety and to organize your life. Combining treatment is often the most effective approach.