Does ADHD Medication Work?
When someone gets a prescription for ADHD medication, they often be concerned about whether the medication will be effective and how long it will last. Here are some straightforward answers.
The stimulants alter the levels of brain chemicals which send messages regarding attention and activity. These include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are frequently used to treat ADHD. They alter the neurotransmitters (like dopamine) in the brain, which helps people stay focused and organized. About 80% of ADHD adults and children suffer improvement in symptoms once they have found the right stimulant and dose.
If prescribed by a physician and taken correctly, these drugs are not habit-forming. If they are misused, such as when they are snorted or inhaled, or taken by people who do not have ADHD they can cause addiction.
There are many amphetamine and methylphenidate medications that healthcare professionals utilize to treat ADHD. Most doctors start with a small dose of the medication, then increase it gradually until the patient is able control their symptoms. Stimulant medications also come in many different forms, from tablets to extended-release to quick-acting.
Common side effects are part of taking stimulant medications however, they tend to disappear after the first few weeks of treatment, or if you and your doctor modify the dosage. Common adverse effects of stimulants include reduced appetite, loss of weight or changes in appetite, difficulty getting to sleep, increased heart rate and irritability, or sadness.
The majority of stimulant medications are safe for the majority of healthy people, but it's important to stay clear of illegal drugs and supplements that claim to treat ADHD. Only doctors and certain other healthcare providers can prescribe these medications. Supplements like melatonin, omega-3 fish oil have not been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
It's important to speak with your doctor if you or your child is experiencing new side effects as a result of the use of stimulants. It could be a sign that the medication isn't performing its job or you are suffering from other health issues that require attention.
It is essential to take the medication every day at the same time. This can help decrease ADHD symptoms. Many families opt to continue to take stimulant medication once their child is symptom-free but this isn't required for all children. It is possible to step back from stimulants, especially for teens, to study how their brains work and to help them learn how to manage ADHD.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulant medication has been used for many years to treat ADHD. It is effective in 70 to 80 percent of adults and children, and can help improve their ability to pay attention, focus and control their impulsive behavior. These medications increase the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. By elevating dopamine and norepinephrine levels, these drugs help manage ADHD symptoms like short attention span and impulsive behavior. These medications are available in various tablet and liquid forms with immediate-release formulations that can be consumed up to three times per day to get a quick boost in concentration and extended-release tablets that function throughout the day.
The newer medications that are not stimulants are not as effective as stimulants however, they are safe for a majority of people. They are prescribed in various chewables and capsules, and can be added to foods and drinks if you or your child has trouble swallowing pills. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is the first nonstimulant to be approved for ADHD treatment. It's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that increases the level of norepinephrine in the brain. It's also used to treat depression.
Medications work differently for each person, and sometimes it takes time to find the right dosage and formulation for the medication. Be patient and talk to your doctor if you or your child is experiencing issues with the medication.
You may also need to try different medications, or even switch between stimulants and non-stimulants if you're not getting the best results from one. It's important to talk with your psychiatrist about any other medical conditions that your child or you have or any other medications you're taking (including over-the-counter medications), and what you're eating or drinking.
Before you begin or change your ADHD medications, you must also be able to 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 take a break from their medications during vacations or holidays and then resume taking it after returning to school or at home. Regular exercise can help improve attention, and could help reduce the risky behaviors associated with ADHD.
3. Other medications
Most ADHD medications require prescriptions. Doctors must monitor patients to determine the right dosage and drug type. Teachers and parents can be asked to complete behavior rating scales as well as monitor the person's reaction to medication.
The first treatment option for ADHD in children and adults is stimulant drugs. Full Record are used to increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, thereby increasing attention and decreasing fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention they aid 70 to 80 percent of adults and children who suffer from ADHD. They can reduce fidgeting and forgetting, decrease impulsive behavior like running, jumping and shouting and improve social skills. They can also lower blood pressure and heart rate. The majority of stimulant medications are available in short-acting forms (that last between 4 and 6 hours) and long-acting versions (that can take up to 12 hours).
Nonstimulant drugs don't increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. However, they can reduce symptoms for about 50% of ADHD sufferers. They can aid in reducing the impulsive behavior enhance concentration and mood and make it easier to follow directions. They can also lessen aggression and improve relationships. These drugs include atomoxetine also known as Strattera (brand name) and viloxazine also known as Qelbree (brandname). They can also be combined with stimulants.
A very small number of kids and adults who take stimulant medication can become sedated or zombie-like or become angry or tearful while the medication is in their system. If this happens, it's a sign that the dosage is too high and must be reduced.
ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. It could require several trials and error to find the best one for you or your child. The medication needs to be taken regularly to be effective. If someone stops taking it, ADHD symptoms return. It takes time to find the right dosage and medication that provides the most effective results and has the lowest adverse consequences.
4. Behavioral therapies
Many people suffering from ADHD do not find that medication eliminates all of their symptoms. Behavioral therapy can help improve their ability to manage these symptoms and improve their ability to function in everyday life. It can also improve their relationships with others and boost their self-esteem and increase their confidence.
The use of behavioral therapies is often in conjunction with ADHD medication. This multi-component treatment approach gives the best results for children suffering from ADHD. Combining behavior management with medication is more effective than either method on its own.
A therapist works with the child to teach them new skills that will assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms. This typically involves teaching them organizational strategies and ways to cut down on distractions. This may also include teaching them strategies to cope when they are experiencing emotional distress, such as mindfulness meditation and skills for regulating emotions. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is usually delivered in groups. This allows the therapists to help and strengthen several children at the same time and increase the chance that a child will successfully complete the program.
The therapist may also assist parents in teaching how to reinforce positive behavior. They will help them develop a system for rewarding good behavior and use discipline when necessary. They will also teach the child about time management and goal setting. Therapists may also suggest a chart that the child earns points for completing tasks. If the child fails to follow through with their responsibilities, the therapist might need to introduce negative consequences, such as losing points.
concerta adhd medication who aren't responding to medication may be able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of therapy focuses primarily on changing the way the person perceives their problems. It can also help to manage their emotions better and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior.
Behavioral therapies are generally less expensive than medications. However, they can take longer to show results. If symptoms do not improve after a specific period, it's important to talk with your doctor about what might be making them worse. It could be that the child is not taking their medication correctly or that the dosage needs to be increased. It could also be that life events are creating stress, which makes it harder for the child to concentrate. Find-a-therapist functions are available in the ADDA CHADD's National Resource Center and the ADDitude Directory. These features will help you find an therapist who can provide CBT.