ADHD Treatment Medication
Treatment for ADHD for adults usually includes psychosocial therapy and medication. The medications used to treat ADHD may include stimulants as well as nonstimulants.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine act on brain chemical messengers to improve mood and concentration, and impulse control. Atomoxetine and guanfacine are nonstimulant ADHD medications that can be offered to adults, teenagers or children if they don't respond to stimulants.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain known as dopamine and norepinephrine, which aid people in paying attention and manage their behavior. It has been shown that they can help ease ADHD symptoms for 70% to 80percent of adults and children. This includes reducing the tendency to be hyperactive, fidgeting and interrupting, helping to finish tasks, and improving relationships. They have also been shown to boost academic performance and reduce absences.
The majority of these drugs are taken orally. They are available in two forms that are immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release. The long-acting versions build up gradually in the bloodstream, and they wear off more slowly than doses that short-act. This can prevent the "crash" effect that occurs when a medication wears down and causes symptoms to come back, including low mood and a feeling of hunger and fatigue.
Methylphenidate is the most common stimulant utilized by children and teens. It is available in chewable pills, oral patches, and tablets that can be taken in a swallow. There are also amphetamines Adderall and Dexedrine which are more potent and last longer than methylphenidate. There is also atomoxetine which is a prescription for adults and children older than five years old, if other medications are not working or cause unwanted side effects.
Amphetamines could affect the heart, and are not recommended for people who suffer from heart issues. They can also be misused, leading to addiction.
There are also nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, but these take much longer to start working and don't have the same effects as stimulants. Nonstimulants are usually used in conjunction with behavioral therapy, which is often described as multimodal therapy.
Some studies have shown a combination between medications and behavioral therapy can improve the way that people with ADHD manage their daily lives whether at work, school or home. The use of medication alone isn't enough to treat the condition, and many sufferers with ADHD continue to struggle despite taking medication.
In these cases, you should discuss with your doctor about alternatives to treatment are available. In some instances psychoeducation is a treatment option which aids teens, children, and adults make sense of their diagnosis of ADHD and provide strategies for dealing with it. This is often combined behavioural therapy and skill training to improve the performance of people with ADHD at work and school.
Certain ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, but they are usually brief and temporary. The majority of side effects go away when the body is accustomed to the medication. If they continue to occur and persist, the doctor might be able to alter the dosage or the type. Tell your doctor if you or your child experience any changes in mood or appetite, or if they have difficulty sleeping or experience stomach upsets. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety will help your doctor find the right medication for you or your child. This is especially important if you have any other medical conditions that could affect the medication or increase the chance of experiencing side adverse effects.