ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants target two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine to increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity. These medicines are the first-line treatment for ADHD in both adults and children.
There are some who experience adverse reactions when taking these medicines. These side effects typically disappear after a few weeks or days. Before you begin any medication, it's essential to discuss any possible side effects with your doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help people focus, manage their impulses and improve their ability to plan and manage their time. This category of medication is the most widely used to treat ADHD and comprises medicines like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and the atomoxetine (Provigil).
The drugs typically begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes, and can last up to four hours. Some short-acting stimulants are available in pill form, whereas others come as liquids or chewable tablets. People taking these drugs may suffer from what's known as "the crash effect" when the effects diminish and can trigger extreme hunger or mood changes.
In studies, stimulants decrease ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80% of adults and children who use them. They can reduce hyperactivity, interruptions and fidgeting. They can also help people stay on task and complete their schoolwork, as well as improve their relationships with family friends, colleagues and other family members. They do not treat the underlying issues that lead to ADHD. Patients who take these medications are advised to seek other treatments.
The use of stimulants can be addictive. The risk of addiction is different based on the individual. People should not stop taking their medication without consulting a doctor especially if they've been taking the medicine for a long period of time. It can take several weeks or even months to determine the appropriate dosage of medication for each individual.
The use of medication isn't the only option for ADHD but they have been shown to be the most efficient. Psychotherapy, also known as talking therapy, can teach skills to manage symptoms and change bad habits. Some people find cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) useful, in which trained therapists try to alter how a patient perceives situations that trigger symptoms.
CBT can be practiced as individual sessions or in group therapy. There are also apps that allow you to do CBT at your own home. Anyone who is interested in trying CBT should talk to their doctor about it.
adhd no medication of psychotherapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from ADHD. These include motivational interviews, interpersonal and dialectical behavioral therapy and family-focused therapies. However, these types of therapy haven't been proved to be as effective as stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications
Some doctors prefer to prescribe non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD due to less risk of addiction and abuse. However, they aren't as effective as stimulants, and it could be difficult to determine the right dosage for each individual.
These medications aren't available over the counter, and you should not try to purchase them without a prescription from a doctor. Some supplements and vitamins also claim to treat ADHD however the evidence isn't conclusive. Some of them may interact with stimulant medication.