ADHD Treatment Medication
Treatment for ADHD for adults usually includes psychosocial therapy and medication. The treatments used to treat ADHD can include stimulants as well as nonstimulants.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine act on chemical messengers in the brain to improve mood and concentration and control of impulses. Atomoxetine and Guanfacine are both non-stimulant ADHD medications that can be given to teenagers, adults or children if they do not respond to stimulants.
Stimulants
The most popular medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They boost the levels of chemical (neurotransmitters) in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. They aid in focusing attention and control their behavior. It has been proven that they can reduce ADHD symptoms for 70% to 80percent of adults and children. This includes reducing hyperactivity, fidgeting and interrupting, helping with tasks and improving relationships. They also have been proven to improve academic performance and decrease absenteeism.
They are usually taken orally. They are available in two forms that are immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release. The long-acting version is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, and wears off more slowly than the shorter-acting dosage. This can help avoid the "crash" effect that occurs when a medication wears off and symptoms return such as low mood feelings of hunger, and fatigue.
Methylphenidate is the most popular stimulant that is used by children and teens. Full Write-up is available in pills that can be chewed, swallowed orally, and sometimes, it is delivered through a patch. Adderall and Dexedrine are amphetamines which are stronger and last longer than methylphenidate. Atomoxetine can be prescribed to adults and children older than 5 years old if other medications fail to work or cause unwanted effects.
Amphetamines can be harmful to the heart, so they may not be the best choice for people with heart problems. They can be abused and lead to addiction.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are available, but they take longer to work and do not provide the same effects. They are typically used in conjunction with behavioral therapy which is often described as multimodal therapy.
Certain studies have proven that a combination between medication and behavior therapy improves the way people with ADHD manage their daily life at work, school or at home. A single medication isn't enough to manage the condition, and many sufferers with ADHD continue to struggle even though they are taking medication.
In these situations, you should discuss with your doctor what other options for treatment are available. In certain cases, these treatments include psychoeducation, which helps children, teenagers and adults make sense of their diagnosis of ADHD and provide strategies for dealing with it. This is often coupled with behavioural therapy and skills training, which can enhance the way people suffering from ADHD perform at school and in the workplace.
Some ADHD medication can produce side effects, but they are usually brief and temporary. Most of them disappear as a person's body gets used to the medication and if they continue to occur in the future, your doctor might be able to change the dosage or the type of medication. Inform your doctor if you or your child are experiencing any changes in mood or appetite or if they are having difficulty sleeping or stomach upsets. This information will help your doctor find the most effective medication for you or your child. This is particularly crucial if you suffer from other health conditions that may affect the medication or increase the risk of side adverse effects.