Does ADHD Medication Work?<br /><br />When someone is prescribed ADHD medication, they are concerned about how long the medication will last and whether it will be effective. Here are some easy answers.<br /><br />Stimulants alter brain chemicals that relay messages about activity and attention. These include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.<br /><br />1. Stimulants<br /><br />Stimulants are the most commonly used medications to manage ADHD. They alter the activity neurotransmitters in the brain (like dopamine), which helps people remain focused and organized. Around 80 percent of ADHD children and adults experience improvement in symptoms once they have found the correct stimulant formula and dosage.<br /><br />If prescribed by a physician and taken in the right way the drugs aren't addictive. But when they are abused (like when they are injected or snorted) or taken by those with ADHD, they can cause addiction and other mental health issues.<br /><br />Healthcare providers treat ADHD by using a variety of methylphenidate- and amphetamine-based medications. The majority of doctors begin with a low dose of the medication, and gradually increase it until the patient has control over their symptoms. Stimulant medicines are also available in many different forms including tablets, extended-release and quick-acting.<br /><br />Side effects are a common aspect of taking stimulant medication, but they usually go away after the first few weeks of treatment, or if you and your doctor alter the dosage. Side effects of stimulants can include a decrease in appetite, weight loss or a change in appetite. They may also cause difficulties sleeping, an increase in heart rate, irritability or sadness.<br /><br />Most stimulant medications are safe for healthy people. However, it is important to avoid illegal drugs or vitamins that claim to treat ADHD. These drugs can only be prescribed by doctors and certain health professionals. Additionally, supplements such as omega-3 fish oils and melatonin aren't scientifically proven to decrease ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />If you or your child is experiencing new side effects after starting a stimulant, it's important to talk with your doctor or psychiatrist. <a href="https://writeablog.net/tyvekplough6/why-adhd-without-medication-is-everywhere-this-year">adhd and medication</a> could be an indication that the medication isn't performing its job, or that you have other health problems that need attention.<br /><br />It's important to take the medication each day at the same time. This can help decrease ADHD symptoms. Some families prefer to continue taking stimulant drugs after their child is no longer showing symptoms however this isn't necessary for all. It is possible to take a break from stimulants, especially for teens, to study how their brains work and assist them in learning to cope with ADHD.<br /><br />2. Non-stimulants<br /><br />Stimulant medications have been used for a long time to treat ADHD. It's effective for 70-80 percent of both adults and children and can improve their ability to concentrate, pay attention and control their impulsive behaviors. These medications work by increasing the levels of specific brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Through the increase of dopamine and norepinephrine, the drugs help manage ADHD symptoms like short attention span and an impulsive behavior. These medications are available in various liquid and tablet forms, including immediate-release formulations that can be taken three times a day for an immediate boost in focus and extended-release tablets that work throughout the day.<br /><br />The newer medications that are not stimulants are less effective than stimulants, but they are safe for most people. These medications are available as chewables and capsules. They can be added to food or drinks for children who have difficulties swallowing pills. Atomoxetine is also referred to as Strattera is the first non-stimulant that has been approved for ADHD treatment. It's a selective reuptake of norepinephrine inhibitor that increases the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. It is also used to treat depression.<br /><br />Medications work differently for every person and sometimes it takes time to find the right dosage and the right formulation of medication. Be patient, and speak with your physician about any issues you or your child have with the medication.<br /><br />It's also possible to test different medications, or switch between stimulants and non-stimulants in case you're not seeing the best results with one. It's essential to speak to your doctor about any other medical conditions you or your child has, any other medications you're taking (including prescription medications), and the foods you're drinking or eating.<br /><br />Before you start or alter your ADHD medication, you should also be able to have your blood pressure checked. 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 need to take a break from their medication during vacations or during holidays, and resume it when they return to school or home. Getting regular exercise can also aid in improving attention and could help reduce risky behaviors linked to ADHD.<br /><br /><br /><br />3. Other medications<br /><br />Most ADHD medication requires prescriptions. Doctors must keep track of patients to determine the right dose and drug type. Parents and teachers may be required to fill out behavior rating scales as well as monitor the person's reaction to the medication.<br /><br />The first option for treatment for ADHD in adults and children is stimulant drugs. They work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves attention and decreases fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention they can help 70 to 80 percent of children and adults with ADHD. They can decrease the amount of fidgeting and forgetting, as well as reduce impulsive behavior like running, jumping and yelling and improve social skills. They can also lower heart rate and blood pressure. Most stimulant medicines are available in short-acting forms (that last from 4 to 6 hours) and long-acting versions (that can take up to 12 hours).<br /><br />Nonstimulant medications don't increase the brain chemicals dopamine or norepinephrine. However, they can alleviate symptoms for approximately 50% of ADHD sufferers. They can boost concentration, mood and mood, as well as assist with the impulsive behavior. They also reduce aggression and improve relationships. They include atomoxetine also known as Strattera (brand name) and viloxazine also known as Qelbree (brandname). These medications can be taken in conjunction with stimulants.<br /><br />A small percentage of children and adults who take stimulant medications might become depressed, zombie-like or tearful or angry. If this occurs, the dose is excessive and needs to be adjusted.<br /><br />ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. It could take many trials and error to find the best one for your child or you. The medication needs to be taken regularly to ensure its effectiveness. If a person quits taking the medication, ADHD symptoms will recur. Medication is a lifelong commitment and it takes time to identify the right drug and dose that provides the best results while causing the least amount of negative side consequences.<br /><br />4. Behavioral treatments<br /><br />For a lot of people with ADHD medication is not enough to reduce all their symptoms. Therapy for behavioral issues can help them better manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. In addition, it could also strengthen their relationships with others, increase their confidence in themselves and boost self-esteem.<br /><br />The use of behavioral therapies is often in conjunction with ADHD medication. This multi-component treatment approach will yield the most effective results for children suffering from ADHD. Combining medication and behavior management is more effective than either method alone.<br /><br />Therapists work with the child to teach him new skills that can help him deal with his ADHD symptoms. This usually involves teaching them strategies for organizing and how to reduce distractions. It could also include teaching them strategies to cope when they are experiencing emotional distress, such as mindfulness meditation and coping with emotions. Behavioral therapy is typically delivered in groups. This allows the therapist to provide support and reinforcement to a variety of children at once, which increases the likelihood that the child will stick the program.<br /><br />The therapist could also work with the parents to teach them how to reinforce positive behavior. They will help them create the system of rewarding good behavior, and implementing discipline when needed. They will also instruct the child about time management and goal setting. The therapist might recommend the use of a reward chart that allows the child to earn points for completing tasks. If the child fails to comply with their obligations the therapist may need to introduce negative consequences, such as losing points.<br /><br />If you are not able to respond to medication could be able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy focuses on changing the way the person perceives their problems. It can also help people manage their emotions better and decrease impulse-driven behaviors.<br /><br />Behavioral therapies are generally cheaper than medications. However, they can take longer to show results. If symptoms do not improve after a specific time frame, it's essential to talk with your doctor about what could be making them worse. It could be because the child isn't getting their medication right or the dosage needs to be increased. It could be that a variety of stressful life events make it difficult for the child to concentrate. CHADD and its National Resource Center, ADDA and the ADDitude Directory all have find-a-therapist features that can give a list of therapists who provide CBT.<br /><br />