ADHD Medications
Medications are an important element of treatment for ADHD. They can't cure the disorder, but they can assist in controlling symptoms and enhance a person's ability to function.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior, attention, and other functions.
Some medications can cause side effects like nausea, elevated heart rate or blood pressure, and antics. These side effects are typically mild to moderate.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications to treat ADHD. see this website are medications that boost the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that help people concentrate and decrease impulse-driven behavior. They can also trigger short-term side effects such as the loss of appetite, and a rise in blood pressure or heart rate. These medicines can rapidly improve symptoms of ADHD in most people, but they do not cure the condition. Your doctor will prescribe the medication based upon your ADHD evaluation results and your tolerance to the side effects of the medicine.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are two main types of stimulant medicines. Adderall and Ritalin are methylphenidates. They are available in short-acting and long-acting versions. Adderall XR, Vyvanse and Adderall XR are the longer-acting versions.
These medications are the most commonly used and effective treatments for ADHD however, they do have a high potential for misuse or abuse and addiction. Some people who don't suffer from ADHD take these drugs to increase their alertness or to lose weight. They may also take these medications to get an "buzz" or an "high." People with ADHD who use these medications in a controlled manner under the guidance and supervision of their healthcare provider do not become dependent on them.
Finding the right stimulant medicine for you or your children may take time. It's important to tell your doctor about any adverse effects you experience. Your doctor will then alter the dosage of your medicine and determine which one is the most effective for you.
The adverse effects of stimulant medications for ADHD include weight loss, trouble sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also cause irritability and nervousness, especially when taken in higher doses. These side effects usually happen in the first few days or weeks after taking the medicine and then disappear as your body gets used to it.
If you have other health issues or conditions, your doctor needs to take into consideration these conditions prior to prescribing any medicine. For instance, if you have a history of stroke or heart disease the doctor may not prescribe an stimulant. This is also true if you have depression or anxiety. In these instances your doctor will prescribe a nonstimulant drug or a stimulant in combination with a calming medication such as Strattera(atomoxetine) to increase the effectiveness of both.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take a bit longer to work however they are less likely than stimulants to be misused or used in a way that is harmful. They are prescribed when stimulants do not work or have unpleasant side-effects.
Unlike most other medications, ADHD medicines are not available on the market. Vitamins and minerals claimed to treat ADHD are not supported by science and may interfere with prescription drugs. Your doctor can suggest specific diet changes that will help manage ADHD symptoms and decrease the need for medication. Your doctor may suggest behavioral therapy or skills training to help you better control impulses and organize yourself. Combining treatment is often the most effective approach.