Does ADHD Medication Work?
If someone is prescribed ADHD medication, they worry about how long the treatment will last and if it will be effective. Here are some easy answers.
Stimulants work by adjusting levels of brain chemicals which send messages regarding focus and activity. Dopamine, norepinephrine and other brain chemicals are also included. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADHD.
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They alter the activity neurotransmitters in the brain (like dopamine), which helps people stay focused and organized. About 80% of kids and adults suffering from ADHD notice improvement in symptoms after determining the proper stimulant dose and formulation.
These drugs aren't addictive until they are prescribed by a physician and taken as prescribed. But when they are abused (like when they are snorted or injected) or taken by those without ADHD they could cause addiction and other mental health issues.
Healthcare providers treat ADHD with a range of amphetamine- and methylphenidate-based medications. Most doctors start with a low dosage of the medication and gradually increase the dosage until the patient has control over their symptoms. The stimulant medication is available in many forms, including tablets, extended-release and quick-acting.
The side effects of stimulant medication are not uncommon, however they typically disappear after some time or if your doctor recommends you alter the dosage. Side effects of stimulants can include decreased appetite, weight loss or change in appetite. They may also cause difficulties sleeping, an increase in heart rate, irritation, or sadness.
Most stimulant medications are safe for healthy people. However it is crucial to stay clear of illegal drugs or vitamins that claim to treat ADHD. Only doctors and certain healthcare professionals can prescribe these medications. Supplements like melatonin or omega-3 fish oil haven't been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
It is important to consult your doctor if you or your child experience new side effects as a result of the use of an stimulant. It may be a sign that the medicine isn't working properly or there are other health issues that require attention.
It's also important to take the medication at the same time each day to ensure that it is most likely to have the best chance of reducing ADHD symptoms. Some families choose to continue taking stimulant drugs after their child is no longer showing symptoms however this isn't required for everyone. It is possible to take a break from stimulants, especially for teenagers, to observe how their brains work and to help them learn how to deal with ADHD.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulant medication is among the most well-established forms of ADHD treatment. It works for 70 to 80 percent of adults and children, and can improve their ability to focus and pay attention. It also helps control impulsive behavior. These drugs increase the levels of certain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, within the brain. By elevating dopamine and norepinephrine, the medications help to manage ADHD symptoms such as a short attention span and impulsive behavior. These medications come in various liquid and tablet forms, including immediate-release formulations that can be consumed three times a day to get an immediate increase in focus, and extended-release tablets that work throughout the day.
The newer nonstimulant medications may be less effective than stimulants, but are generally safe for most people. They are prescribed in a variety of chewables and capsules. They can be added to food and beverages if your child have difficulty swallowing pills. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is the first nonstimulant approved for ADHD treatment. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that increases the amount norepinephrine that is present in the brain. It is also used to treat depression.
Medications work differently for each individual, and sometimes it takes time to determine the correct dosage and the right formulation of medication. Be patient, and speak with your physician about any issues you or your child may have with the medication.
It's also possible to try different medications, or even switch between stimulants and non-stimulants if you're not getting the desired results with one. You should discuss with your doctor any other medical conditions that you or your child might be suffering from, as well as any other medications (including over-the counter medication) as well as the foods you consume or drink.
Before you begin or change your ADHD medications, you must also 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 have to stop taking their medications during vacations or during holidays, and resume it when they return to school or home. Regular exercise can improve attention and reduce risky behaviors associated with ADHD.
3. Other medication
The majority of ADHD medications require a prescription, and doctors must monitor people to find the appropriate dose and type. They may also ask parents and teachers to fill out behavior rating scales, and then observe the reaction of a person to the medication, to ensure that the medication is working and that the side effects aren't too serious.
The first line of treatment for ADHD for adults and children is stimulant drugs. They are used to increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, thereby increasing the ability to focus and reducing fatigue. They aid 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They can decrease the tendency to fidget, interrupting, and forgetting things, cut down on impulse-driven behaviors such as running, jumping, and shouting, and help improve social skills and school performance. They can also reduce blood pressure and heart rate. The majority of stimulant medications are both short-acting (that lasts between 4 and 6 hours) and long-acting (that can last up to 12 hours).
Nonstimulant medications don't increase the brain chemicals dopamine or norepinephrine. However, they can alleviate symptoms for approximately 50% of ADHD sufferers. They can enhance focus, mood and mood. They can also help with the impulsive behavior. They can also help improve relationships and decrease aggression. adhd medication pregnancy include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). They can also be combined with stimulants.
A small number of adults and children who are taking stimulant medication may become sedated or zombie-like or tearful or irritable. If this happens it means that the dose is too high and must be reduced.
ADHD can be treated by a variety of drugs. It could take several trials and error to discover the best one for your child or you. To be effective, the medication should be taken regularly. If someone quits taking the medication, ADHD symptoms will return. Medication is a lifelong commitment, and it takes time to identify the right dosage and drug that will yield the greatest results with the least adverse consequences.
4. Behavioral treatments
For many people suffering from ADHD medication is not enough to help with all their symptoms. Therapy for behavioral issues can help them better manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. In addition, it could improve their relationships with others, increase their confidence in themselves and boost self-esteem.
Behavioral therapies are often used in conjunction with ADHD medication. This multi-component treatment method will yield the best results for children with ADHD. The combination of medication and behavior management are more effective than each method alone.
Therapists work with the child to teach them new skills to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms. Most often, this involves teaching them how to organize their life and decreasing distractions. This could include teaching them how to cope when they experience emotional distress, such mindfulness meditation and emotional regulation. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is typically provided in groups. This allows the therapist to provide support and reinforcement to a variety of children at the same time, which increases the likelihood that the child will stick the program.
The therapist may also assist parents in teaching how to reinforce positive behavior. They will teach parents how to reward good behavior and use discipline when needed. They will also teach the child about time management, planning and goal setting. The therapist may also suggest using a reward chart that allows the child to earn points when they complete tasks. The therapist might need to introduce negative consequences, like losing points if the child fails to follow through on their obligations.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be beneficial for people who are not responding well to medication. This kind of therapy focuses on changing how people view their issues. It can also help to manage their emotions better and decrease impulse-driven behaviors.
Behavioral therapies are generally cheaper than medications. However, they may take longer to yield results. If symptoms do not improve after a specific period of time, it's crucial to discuss with your doctor what might 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 other stressful events in life are creating stress and making it harder for the child to concentrate. Find-a-therapist features are available in the ADDA, CHADD's National Resource Center and the ADDitude Directory. These features can help you find an therapist who can provide CBT.