Does ADHD Medication Work?
When someone receives a prescription for ADHD medication, they usually worry about whether it will be effective and how long it will last. Here are some easy answers.
Stimulants modify brain chemicals that send messages about activity and attention. Norepinephrine, dopamine and other brain chemicals are included. They are considered the first-line treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD.
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are commonly used to treat ADHD. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain (like dopamine) which help people remain focused and organized. About adhd anxiety medication of ADHD adults and children suffer better symptoms after they discover the right stimulant formulation and dose.
They are not addictive when prescribed by a physician and taken in the prescribed manner. If they are misused in the way they are snorted and inhaled, or taken by people with ADHD they may trigger addiction.
Healthcare professionals treat ADHD with a variety methylphenidate- and amphetamine-based medications. Most doctors start with a small dose of the medication and gradually increase the dosage until the patient is able to control over their symptoms. The stimulant medications are available in a variety of forms from tablets to extended-release to rapid-acting.
The side effects of stimulant medication are not uncommon, however they typically disappear after a few weeks or if your doctor recommends you adjust the dosage. The side effects of stimulants could include decreased appetite, weight loss or changes in appetite. They can also cause sleep problems, an increased heart rate, irritation, or sadness.
Most stimulant medication is safe for the majority of healthy people, but it's important to stay clear of illegal substances and vitamins that claim to treat ADHD. These drugs can only be prescribed by doctors or certain health professionals. Supplements like melatonin and omega-3 fish oils haven't been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
It's crucial to talk to your doctor in the event that you or your child experience new side effects as a result of the use of a stimulant. medication for adhd and anxiety may be an indication that the drug isn't working or that there are additional health issues that require attention.
It's also important to take the medication at the same time each day so that it is most likely to have the greatest chance of decreasing ADHD symptoms. Some families choose to continue taking stimulant drugs after their child is no longer showing symptoms however this isn't required for everyone. It's also possible to try an experiment with stimulants at some point, especially for teenagers, to see how they perform and help them develop skills to deal with ADHD without medication.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulant medications are among the most widely-used forms of ADHD treatment. It is effective for 70-80 percent of children and adults. It can improve their ability to focus and pay attention. It can also help control impulsive behavior. These drugs work by increasing the levels of specific brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels which can help control ADHD symptoms like short attention spans and impulsive behaviors. These drugs are available in a variety of liquid and tablet formulations, including immediate-release formulas taken two to three times a day to boost focus quickly and extended-release tablets that function throughout the day.
The newer medications that are not stimulants are not as effective as stimulants however, they are safe for a majority of people. They are prescribed in a variety of chewables and capsules, and can be added to food and beverages if you or your child have difficulty swallowing pills. Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is the first non-stimulant that has been approved for ADHD treatment. It's a selective reuptake of norepinephrine inhibitor that boosts the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. It's also used to treat depression.
It can take time to determine the proper dosage and formulation for everyone. Be patient, and speak with your physician about any issues you or your child may have with the medication.
You may have to switch between stimulants and non-stimulants if a particular medication isn't working for you. It's important to talk with your psychiatrist about any other medical conditions you or your child suffers from and any other medications you're taking (including over-the-counter medications), and what you're eating or drinking.
Before you begin or change your ADHD medication, you should also check your blood pressure. It's often found that methylphenidate-based drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin, can cause a slight increase in blood pressure in some people. Some people may need to take a break from their medicine during actual vacations or holidays, and return to it once they're back at school or at home. Getting regular exercise can also help improve your attention, and may reduce risky behaviors linked to ADHD.
3. Other medication
The majority of ADHD medication requires prescriptions, and doctors have to monitor patients to determine the right dose and drug type. They may also request parents and teachers to fill in behavior rating scales and monitor the reaction of a person to the medication, to ensure that the medication is working and that side effects aren't too severe.
Stimulant drugs are typically the first treatment option for children and adults suffering from ADHD. They are used to increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine that are found in the brain, thereby increasing attention and decreasing fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention they can help 70 to 80 percent of children and adults who suffer from ADHD. They can decrease the tendency to fidget, interrupting, and forgetting things, reduce impulse-driven behaviors such as running, jumping, and shouting, and can improve social skills and school performance. They can also lower heart rate and blood pressure. Most stimulant medications come in both short-acting (that lasts 4 to 6 hours) and long-acting (that can last for up to 12 hours).
Nonstimulant drugs do not increase brain's chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, however they can help alleviate symptoms in approximately 50% of people with ADHD. They can help with impulse-driven behaviors improve focus and mood and make it easier to follow instructions. They can also lessen aggression and improve relationships. These medicines include the atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These drugs can be used in combination with stimulants.
A small percentage of adults and children taking stimulant medications can experience a state of euphoria or even a zombie-like feeling or become upset or tearful when the medication is in their system. If this happens, it is an indication that the dosage is too high and should be adjusted.
ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. It may require many trials and error to discover the right one for your child or you. To be effective, the medication should be used regularly. If a person quits taking the medication, ADHD symptoms will return. The commitment to medication is for life, and it takes time to identify the right dosage and drug that provides the best results while causing the least amount of adverse consequences.
4. Behavioral treatments
Many people suffering from ADHD are not able to find medication eliminates all of their symptoms. Behavioral therapy can aid in improving their ability to manage these symptoms and increase their ability to function in everyday life. Additionally, it can also strengthen their relationships with others, increase their self-esteem and boost their confidence.
Behavioral therapies are often utilized in conjunction with ADHD medication. This multi-component treatment approach will yield the best results for children with ADHD. The combination of medication and behavior management are more effective than any method alone.
Therapists work with the child to help them develop new skills to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms. This usually involves teaching them organizational strategies and ways to cut down on distractions. It could also involve teaching them to employ strategies to cope when they are experiencing emotional distress, like mindfulness meditation and coping with emotions. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is usually delivered in groups. This allows therapists to help and strengthen multiple children at the same time and increase the chance that a child will complete the program.
The therapist may also work with parents to help them learn how to reinforce positive behavior. They will assist them in developing an approach to rewarding good behavior, and implementing discipline when needed. They will also teach them about time management, goal setting, and planning. The therapist may also suggest using a chart where the child earns points for completing a task. If the child doesn't adhere to their responsibilities, the therapist might need to introduce negative consequences, such as losing points.
Those who do not respond to medication may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy focuses on changing how the person views their problems. It can also help people manage their emotions and lessen the risk of impulsive behavior.
Behavioral therapies are usually cheaper than prescription drugs. However, they may take longer to show results. If symptoms don't improve after a certain period, it's important to talk with your doctor about what might be making them worse. It could be that the child isn't taking their medication in the right way or that the dosage should be increased. It could be that stressful life circumstances can be affecting the child's focus. CHADD and its National Resource Center, ADDA and the ADDitude Directory all have find-a-therapist features that will provide a list of providers who offer CBT.