ADHD Medication - Is it Right For Your Child?<br /><br />ADHD medication can make a huge difference for a lot of kids. However, it's not for all children. Parents should carefully weigh the pros and cons.<br /><br />Stimulants are the most common drugs prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. They can reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity fidgeting, and other symptoms. But they can also cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, stomachaches, headaches and high blood pressure.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br /><br /><br />Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. They boost the transmission of brain signals which allows people to focus better and improves their learning ability. They also boost the efficiency, alertness and the level of arousal, and also reduce appetite. However, they can also cause negative side effects such as an irregular heartbeat as well as high blood pressure. <a href="https://zenwriting.net/trampburst8/a-trip-back-in-time-how-people-discussed-adhd-medication-20-years-ago">medication for inattentive adhd</a> can be used to treat a variety of ailments however, they are most commonly prescribed for ADHD. People with ADHD may have issues at school, work, and in their relationships. They tend to be indecisive and are unable to plan ahead. Their mood can affect their behavior, for instance when they are angry or frustrated.<br /><br />Medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to plan and follow through with tasks, and manage their impulsive behavior. It is not a cure for the condition, and many people still suffer from symptoms even after taking medication. Certain people also have other issues that cause their symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or drug addiction. These issues may require additional therapies to resolve the symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />The drugs used to treat ADHD may have different names, however they all contain the same active ingredient: methylphenidate. Methylphenidate has a rapid effect because it is released into the system within a short period of time. It also has an immediate effect on mood. It is sometimes referred to Ritalin, although the same medicine is also available under the brand name Ritalin LA, which is released into the body over a longer time and can have effects for up to four hours.<br /><br />Because of the potential for abuse, stimulants are tightly controlled and can only be prescribed by a pediatrician, psychiatrist or neurologists (and sometimes GPs in exceptional situations). They are usually only recommended as a last resort, after all other treatment options have been exhausted.<br /><br />There is evidence that physical activity can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, by boosting levels of natural brain chemicals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. It is also important to get enough rest. Encourage your adult or child to fall asleep at a reasonable hour and adhere to a regular routine, especially during meals. Drinking less caffeine-rich drinks can help.<br /><br />Amphetamines<br /><br />Amphetamines activate receptors in the brain, thereby increasing the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine or norepinephrine. These are involved with cognitive functioning, motivation and movement. They are utilized to treat a wide variety of illnesses however, they are currently mostly prescribed for ADHD as well as narcolepsy and obesity. They are also used as a recreational drug to boost athletic performance and for feelings of euphoria or energy.<br /><br />They come in a variety of forms, from tablets to extended-release capsules. The dosage is typically adjusted according to weight and age as well as medical background and how the drug affects the patient. They can be used by adults and children. They are often used in conjunction with other medicines to reduce adverse effects or to help people to get through the day.<br /><br />Stimulants are often the initial treatment option for ADHD and are generally effective in most patients. It can take time to determine the appropriate dose since every person reacts differently to the medication. Your health care professional will keep track of your child's bodily reactions until they can find the dose that is effective and will continue to monitor the effect over time to make sure it's effective.<br /><br />Many experts believe that a combination treatment with medication and behavioral therapy is the most effective option to treat ADHD. Some psychiatrists, however, argue that stimulants can have serious side effects such as cardiovascular problems and addiction, and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. They have also been linked to the tics and Tourette syndrome in certain individuals.<br /><br />A new study, known as a meta-analysis of networks, looked at all the available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of various drugs for ADHD for adults, from methylphenidate to dextroamphetamine and atomoxetine. Researchers were able to compare results from individual trials, even when they were not directly tested against one another. Meta-analyses in the past have focused on certain groups of patients or one drug.<br /><br />The study showed that methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine were more effective than other medications in decreasing ADHD symptoms. The study suggested that these two drugs be tested first, and then switch to the standard dexamfetamine if they do not work. The other two medications that you should look into are guanfacine or atomoxetine.<br /><br />Antidepressants<br /><br />Many people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from depression or anxiety Some ADHD medication side effects can look like the symptoms of other mental health issues. Talk to your doctor if you notice signs of depression or anxiousness in your child or adult who is taking ADHD medication. You may need to add another medication to your treatment regimen or modify the medication.<br /><br />Stimulants for ADHD aren't usually prescribed by themselves for depression, but they can be beneficial to people with an underlying depression and ADHD. They help reduce depression symptoms like fatigue and difficulty working, and help control ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.<br /><br />Antidepressants typically do not treat ADHD. However they can be helpful if stimulants fail to work or cause undesirable side effects. The most common antidepressants are SSRIs, or selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. However tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline or imipramine are occasionally prescribed to treat ADHD. The Atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) is also sometimes used for ADHD in adults. It has been proven to reduce the impulsivity and inattention.<br /><br />Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available. They have a lower chance of abuse, but can cause agitation and insomnia in some people. <a href="https://pacewaters06.livejournal.com/profile">inattentive adhd medication</a> could include stomach upsets and headaches. These medications are usually prescribed in long-acting formulations or extended-release forms that last between six to 16 hours. This can lower the fluctuations in drug levels within the body. Many people take a long-acting or extended-release medication taken in the morning with an instant-release dose taken at mid to late afternoon to cover the times of day when the first medication starts to wear off.<br /><br />Therapy can help people overcome bad habits and develop new coping strategies. BetterHelp is an online service that connects clients with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in ADHD, depression and anxiety. It takes just a few minutes to take an assessment, and you'll be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.<br /><br />Other medications<br /><br />Many people with ADHD use non-stimulant medications to help manage their symptoms. These medications include atomoxetine also known as Strattera and viloxazine, also known as Qelbree. These are antidepressants that are believed to work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. This helps nerves within the brain communicate with one another. This enhances concentration and decreases the frequency of impulses. They are less likely to have adverse effects such as insomnia or appetite suppression in comparison to stimulant drugs.<br /><br />The stimulant drugs can cause unpleasant side effects, including an upset stomach and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also cause tics (spontaneous repeated vocal or aural sounds) more apparent and irritating. Stimulant medication can also delay growth and cause weight loss in some children. These effects are usually temporary and the doctor will prescribe a dosage that is right for you or your child.<br /><br />You will not see any significant improvement in your child's ADHD symptoms until you have been on the medication for at least three to four weeks. The doctor will be monitoring your or your child's progress closely and adjust the dose when necessary. The medication alone will not solve the problem, therefore it's essential to speak with your child's health care provider regarding behavioral therapy, too.<br /><br />Methylphenidate is the most popular drug used to treat ADHD, but there are many other kinds of stimulant medicine. Adderall, Ritalin and other short-acting methylphenidate medicines release the medication rapidly into your system. They must be taken multiple times per day. Long-acting methylphenidate medicines, such as Evekeo and Ritalin SR release the medication slowly throughout the day. These medications are available in liquids and tablets that can be swallowed or crushed, and tablets that quickly dissolve (Evekeo ODt) that dissolve immediately in the mouth. Both types of methylphenidate have a similar structure to amphetamine, but are generally considered more safe for children than amphetamines. They are less likely to cause addiction or heart problems. Amphetamines can last up to 16 hours and are more potent than methylphenidate. However, they are more likely to cause heart problems.<br /><br />