Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulant medication can trigger adverse effects such as an upset stomach, tics or a slight growth delay. They can also affect blood pressure and heart rate.
It's crucial to consult with your doctor to find the correct dosage. This could take a lot of trial and error that can take weeks or months. Always adhere to the weight and age instructions on the label of the medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They help people focus on their thoughts and ignore distracting stimuli. They have been used to treat ADHD for many years. They are among the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat symptoms of the condition in both adults and children. The Food and Drug Administration has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants. They come in tablet and liquid forms and are available in short-acting, intermediate or long-acting medicines. People with ADHD might need to test different dosages and medications before settling on the best one for them.
In research, these drugs improve the core ADHD symptoms of hyperarousal, impulsivity and inattention in 70 to 80% of people who take these medicines. They also aid in addressing related issues, such as poor self-control and difficulties keeping on track at work or at school. In some cases the symptoms might be relieved immediately. Others may have to take the medicine for a few weeks before they notice the effects. Anyone who takes stimulants should be aware of their potential for abuse and stay clear of the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, and nicotine.
Side effects of stimulants tend to manifest within the first few days or weeks following beginning a new medication or increasing the dose. The majority of side effects will go away once your body gets used to the medication or when the dose is increased. If they continue to recur, speak to your doctor.
Non-stimulant medicines require longer to work and their effects can last up to 24 hrs. They are more convenient to take since they don't cause a rapid increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They are less likely to be abused and have less of an impact on the brain development of children as stimulants.
Children and teenagers are the main recipients of these treatments because their brains are growing. adhd treatment medication may not consider them as effective, however they are still useful if other treatments do not work.
These drugs are tightly monitored because of the potential for misuse. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists, and psychologists are qualified to prescribe them, and they must follow a lengthy assessment process. They are often combined with a behavioral therapy program, which helps people learn strategies to manage their symptoms. These skills include learning how to establish goals, track their progress, and solve problems when things go wrong.