ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants work by reducing the impulsivity of children and improving concentration. They focus on two brain chemicals: dopamine and norepinephrine. These medicines are the first line of treatment for ADHD in both adults and children.
Some people experience side-effects when taking these medicines. These side effects usually go away after a few weeks or a few days. Before you begin any medication, you need to discuss any possible adverse reactions with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of certain chemicals in the brain which help people focus, manage their impulses and improve their ability to plan and manage their time. This type of medication is most commonly used to treat ADHD and includes medications like dextroamphetamines (Adderall), atomoxetines (Provigil) and methylphenidates (Ritalin).
The medications usually begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes and can last up to four hours. Certain stimulants that are short-acting come in pill form, while others are liquids or chewable tablets. People taking these drugs may suffer from what's known as "the crash effect" when the effects diminish and cause extreme hunger or mood swings.
In studies, stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of the children and adults who took them. medication for adhd and anxiety can reduce hyperactivity, interruptions to others and fidgeting. They also aid people to remain focused to complete their schoolwork and improve their relationships with their family friends, colleagues and other family members. The medication does not address the underlying causes that cause ADHD. People who use them are advised to use other methods of treatment.
Drugs that stimulate the brain can be addictive, and the risk of addiction varies from person to person. Patients should not stop taking their medication without consulting a doctor, especially if they have been taking the medicine for a long period of time. It can take several weeks or even months to find the appropriate dosage of medication for each person.
Medications aren't the only treatment for ADHD but they have been shown to be the most efficient. Psychotherapy or talking therapy can help develop the skills needed to deal with symptoms and break bad habits. Some people find cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) beneficial, in which trained therapists try to change how a patient perceives situations that trigger their symptoms.
CBT can be conducted in individual sessions or as group therapy. There are apps that let 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 could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD such as dialectical and interpersonal behavior therapy, motivational interviews and family-focused therapy. However, these therapies haven't yet been proven to be as effective as stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications
Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD because they are less likely to be misused or become addicted. They might not be as effective as stimulants, and it isn't easy to find the appropriate dosage for each person.
These drugs aren't sold over-the-counter, so don't try to obtain them without a doctor's prescription. Some supplements and vitamins also claim to help ADHD, but the evidence isn't strong. In fact, some may interact with stimulant medications.