adhd treatment medication For ADHD
The majority of ADHD treatment plans contain medications. Finding the right medication and dosage may take a while. Be patient and communicate openly with your GP or a specialist.
Stimulants work by increasing levels of brain chemicals which help regulate behavior. They are available in both short-acting and long-acting formulations. Short-acting drugs peak within a few hours and need to be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting medications last 8-12 hours and are typically taken daily.
Stimulants
Adults may not benefit from stimulants, despite the fact that they are effective for children. They increase activity in parts of the brain that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular stimulant used to treat ADHD for people of all different ages. It is a pill form and can be prescribed for children, teens, and adults. Doctors typically start with small doses and gradually increase the dosage. Some side effects include weight loss and difficulty sleeping. If these are bothersome consult your physician about ways to lessen or eliminate them.
Methylphenidate is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken twice or three times a day) and extended-release tablets which are taken once in the morning and release the medication throughout the day. The FDA has approved Cotempla XR -ODT and Jornay - PM, two methylphenidate tablets that are designed to last longer in the body.
These medications can cause heart palpitations and insomnia particularly when you take large or prolonged doses. They may also worsen depression and anxiety in some people.
Most people who take stimulants must be monitored by their physician or specialist. They'll fill out behavioral rating scales, observe the child or teen at school and in other activities of daily life, look for signs of addiction or abuse, and check the person's weight, height as well as pulse and blood pressure. In addition, doctors will monitor how the medication is performing by watching the child's or teen's performance in various classes and observing changes in the individual's goals.
It is not uncommon for people to try several medications before settling on the most effective and tolerated one. It's also normal for people to take a break and re-start medications based on their needs and major life events, such as finding a new job or becoming parents.
The FDA has also approved four non-stimulant medications for ADHD: Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), Kapvay (clonidine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Contrary to stimulants that increase levels of dopamine in the brain, these medications affect norepinephrine which is a distinct brain chemical that assists in improving attention and impulse control. These medications can also cause anxiety and a loss of appetite however, the adverse effects are not as severe as those caused by stimulants.
Many people who don't respond to stimulant medications or experience uncontrollable side effects use atypical antidepressants, or tricyclic antidepressants "off-label". Bupropion is a type atypical antidepressant that increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It may have a less significant effect on ADHD symptoms than stimulants. Venlafaxine is an additional atypical medication that acts as an SNRI. It raises levels of norepinephrine, serotonin and other neurotransmitters. It may have a mild effect on ADHD symptoms. It is also prescribed for nerve pain that is associated with diabetes and fibromyalgia. In certain instances the doctor may recommend using these drugs along with cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as other interventions. They can help the patient improve their coping skills and enhance their functioning in their lives.