ADHD Medications
The use of medications to treat ADHD symptoms is important. They balance neurotransmitters within the brain, thereby reducing symptoms.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamines (Adderall, Eveko, Daytrana) are the most frequently prescribed medications used to treat ADHD. They boost dopamine levels and improve attention and focus.
Side effects of stimulants include stomach upset, changes to heartbeat or blood pressure and the tics.
adhd medications boost your brain's functioning and make you more alert and energetic. When used as directed, stimulants can help improve ADHD symptoms. However, each person reacts differently and experience different side effects. If your child is taking stimulants, you'll need visit a doctor regularly for regular checkups and adjustments to the dosage.
The most commonly used stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates. This includes Ritalin and generic versions. Amphetamines, such as Adderall or Dexedrine have a greater impact than methylphenidates. These drugs can raise the heart rate of your child or yourself and may lead to addiction in some instances. They also can raise blood pressure and cause insomnia, which is the reason they're not recommended for individuals who have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
The side effects of stimulants could include sleep disturbances, appetite suppression, jitters, headaches, and behavioral relapse (a sudden recurrence of symptoms after the medication has wore off). They can also trigger or worsen mental disorders, such as aggression, hostility as well as depression, anxiety, and paranoia. At the doses prescribed for treating ADHD they are not to be used as a habit-forming drug, but they can be misused by adolescents and young people who use them for study aids or energy boosters.
There are a variety of long-acting or extended release methylphenidate and amphetamine medicines that are effective for people with ADHD and an newest medicine called lisdexamfetamine. These drugs release the medicine slowly over a longer time which avoids the fluctuations caused by fluctuating medication levels in your body and reducing the chance of having a rebound effect, in the event that ADHD symptoms recur after the drug has slowed down.
Other medications are also available to treat ADHD. They don't contain stimulants and have lower rates of addiction and abuse. They're usually more effective than stimulants in people who don't have a psychiatric disorder, but they do have their own adverse effects, which can be challenging for children to manage at school or in social situations.
If your child is on ADHD medication, they have to be taken on a regular basis, at the same time every day. Some children may require reminders from teachers or a parent, while others need reminders on their calendars. It can take a while to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for your child. They should also be examined by their physician regularly to monitor the effectiveness of the medication. Children suffering from ADHD need to learn how to cope with their symptoms. This includes the management of time and planning. They should also be taught to solicit help when needed. Children with ADHD require therapy to help them acquire the skills they need in order to succeed at school and in life. Insurance usually covers these therapies. The right treatment can make all the difference to your child's and your own quality of life.