ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are designed to stimulate two brain chemicals, dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which improve the ability to focus and reduce the risk of impulsivity. These medicines are the first line treatment for ADHD in both adults and children.
There are some who experience adverse reactions from these medications. adhd treatment medication go away within a few days or weeks. It's important to talk with your doctor about possible side effects prior to taking medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that aid people in focusing and control their impulses. They also improve their ability to plan and manage their time. This class of medication is most commonly used to treat ADHD and includes medications such as dextroamphetamines (Adderall), atomoxetines (Provigil) and the methylphenidates (Ritalin).
The medication is able to begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and last up to 4 hours. Certain stimulants that are short-acting are available in pill form while others are liquids or a chewable tablet. People taking these drugs may be affected by what's known as "the crash effect" when the effects fade, which can cause extreme hunger or mood swings.
In studies, stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of adults and children who took these medications. They reduce the tendency to be disruptive, interrupting others and flitting. They also aid in staying on task as well as completing schoolwork and improving relationships with colleagues, family members, and friends. The pills do not cure the underlying issues that lead to ADHD. People who are taking these medications are advised to seek other treatment options.
Drugs that stimulate the brain can be addictive, and the danger of developing addiction is different from person to person. It is not recommended to stop taking their medication without consulting with a doctor, especially if they have been taking the medication for a long period of time. It can take several weeks or even months to determine the right dosage of medication for each person.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. Talking therapy or psychotherapy can help develop skills to cope with symptoms and break bad habits. Some people find cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in which a trained professional tries to alter the way a patient views situations that trigger symptoms, helpful.
CBT can be done in individual sessions or as group therapy. There are also apps that allow you to practice CBT at your own home. Anyone who is interested in trying CBT should speak to their physician about it.
There are other forms of psychotherapy that can also be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD such as interpersonal and dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviews and family-focused therapy. However, these therapies haven't yet been proved to be as effective as stimulants.
Non-stimulant drugs
Some doctors prefer to prescribe non-stimulant drugs for treating ADHD as they are less likely to cause less chance of addiction and abuse. They might not be as powerful as stimulants, and it is difficult to determine the appropriate dosage for each individual.
These medications aren't available over the counter, and you shouldn't try to purchase them without a prescription from your doctor. In addition, certain supplements and vitamins claim to help with ADHD but there's no evidence to suggest they can. In fact, a few of them are able to interact with stimulant drugs.