Five Things Everyone Makes Up About Adhd Treatment Without Medication
How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication
Medications can help relieve ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of an neurotransmitter known as norepinephrine within the brain.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication prescribed to children with ADHD.
They are available in short- and long-acting dosages. The longer-acting ones are preferred because they last for 8-12 hours and should be taken just once a day. They also reduce the effect of rebound, in which symptoms return, often worse than before, as the medication wears off.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used kind of prescription medication healthcare providers employ to treat ADHD. They work by increasing levels of chemical (neurotransmitters) in your brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which assist you in staying focused and stay focused.
There are a variety of side effects that can occur particularly if stimulants are used for a prolonged period of time. Talk to your doctor about the potential adverse effects of these drugs, such as changes in your mood, appetite, heart rate, and how they affect your sleep.
You could be at risk of developing an addiction or misuse if you use stimulant medications for a long time. Addiction occurs when you feel that you can't control your urge to take a stimulant medication regardless of its side effects. Signs of addiction include taking more than what your doctor recommends or feeling dependent on a drug or experiencing negative side effects.
A high dose of stimulant medication can also lead to other health problems like depression or suicidal thoughts. If you suspect that you or someone you know might be taking these medications to harm them or others, please contact your local police or other authorities immediately.
The most popular stimulants used to treat ADHD are amphetamines and methylphenidate (brand-name medication Ritalin, Concerta or Dexamphetamine). Amphetamines are available in immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (intermediate-acting) tablets, capsules or liquids. They are usually taken one or twice per day.
The extended-release versions of amphetamines are more effective than their short-acting counterparts. They can last for anywhere from six to eight hours and can help you get through your day without having to worry about "ups" and downs.
It is typical to use extended-release stimulants along with an immediate-release medication in the late afternoon to mid afternoon. This is beneficial in the event that your ADHD symptoms begin to manifest late during the day or you notice that you are experiencing irritation due to the medication fading early.
To aid you in falling asleep, a small dose of a long-acting stimulant could be taken prior to bedtime. It's not recommended to consume the medication on an empty stomach as it can cause a loss of energy and may cause you to sleep poorly.
In the beginning of treatment, insomnia is an almost common side effect that occurs with stimulants. adult add medication is possible to minimize this by not taking the medication close to bedtime and by sleeping enough regularly.
Anxiety is a common reaction to stimulants. It can be mild or severe and may result in tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also aggravate the symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder.
Changes in heart rate and blood pressure are also possible, but these effects are usually minimal. When you begin using stimulants to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
ADHD medication can also cause insomnia. This is less of a problem if you start to take stimulants along with a prescribed sleep aid, or by using a relaxation or meditation technique prior to going to sleep.