ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants focus on two brain chemicals, dopamine as well as norepinephrine, to improve attention and reduce the impulsivity. These medications are the main treatment for ADHD that affects children and adults.
Our Site experience adverse reactions with these medicines. These side effects usually go away after some time or days. Before you begin any medication, you need to discuss any possible adverse effects with your physician.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels certain brain chemicals that help people control their impulses, improve their ability to plan ahead and manage their lives. This type of medication is most commonly used to treat ADHD and includes medicines like dextroamphetamines (Adderall), atomoxetines (Provigil) and the methylphenidates (Ritalin).
The medications usually begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and can last for up to four hours. Certain stimulants that are short-acting come in pill form, whereas others are liquids or chewable tablets. When the effects of these medications wear off, people may be experiencing "the crash effect" that can trigger extreme mood swings or hunger.
In studies, stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of the children and adults taking them. They can reduce the frequency of interruptions, hyperactivity and fidgeting. They can also help with staying focused, completing schoolwork, and improving relationships with colleagues, family members, and friends. The medication does not address the root causes that cause ADHD. Patients who take them are advised to use other treatment options.
The use of stimulants can be addictive. The risk of addiction varies based on the individual. It is important to consult a doctor before stopping a medication, particularly in the case of taking it for a long period of time. It could take a few weeks or even months to determine the correct dose of medication for every individual.
There are many different treatments for ADHD, but they have been shown to be the most effective. Psychotherapy, also known as talking therapy, can teach skills to help cope with symptoms and alter bad habits. Some people find cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) useful, in which trained therapists try to alter how a patient perceives situations that trigger their symptoms.
CBT can be conducted in individual sessions or group therapy, and there are applications that allow you to practice CBT at home. People who are interested in trying CBT should consult their physician about it.
There are other types of psychotherapy that may be helpful for people with ADHD such as dialectical and interpersonal behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and family-focused therapy. However, these therapies haven't yet been proven to be as effective as stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications
Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD because they are less likely to be abused or develop addiction. However, they might not be as effective as stimulants, and it can be difficult to determine the appropriate dose for each person.
These drugs are not available over the counter, so you shouldn't try to purchase them without a prescription from your doctor. Some supplements and vitamins also claim to aid in ADHD, but the evidence is not strong. In fact, a few of them can interact with stimulant medicines.