ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants help in reducing the impulsivity of children and improving attention. They target two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. These medications are the first line of treatment for ADHD for both adults and children.
Certain people experience side effects when taking these medicines. They often go away within a few weeks. Before you begin any medication, you need to discuss any possible adverse effects with your physician.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that help people focus, control their impulses and improve their ability to plan and organize. This category of medication is the most frequently used to treat ADHD and includes medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and atomoxetine (Provigil).
The drugs typically begin to work in 30 to 45 minutes, and can last up to four hours. Some short-acting stimulants are available in pill form, while others are liquids or a chewable tablets. People taking these drugs may suffer from what's known as "the crash effect" when the effects wear off and cause extreme hunger or mood changes.
In studies, stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They decrease disturbances, fidgeting, and hyperactivity. They can also help people stay on task to complete their schoolwork and improve their relationships with their family as well as friends and colleagues. But, they can't treat the underlying issues that cause ADHD, and people who take them must seek other treatments too.
The use of stimulants can be addictive. The danger of addiction varies depending on the person. People should not stop taking their medication without consulting a doctor particularly if they've been taking the medicine for a long time. inattentive adhd medication can take several weeks or even months to find the correct dose of medication for every individual.
There are many different treatments for ADHD however, they have been shown to be the most efficient. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can teach skills to manage symptoms and change bad habits. Some people find cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helpful when trained therapists try to alter the way a patient thinks about situations that trigger symptoms.
CBT can be conducted in group or individual therapy, and there are applications that allow you to practice CBT at home. CBT is something that anyone who are interested should discuss with their physician.
There are other forms of psychotherapy that may be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD, including interpersonal and dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviews and family-focused therapy. However, these types of therapy haven't been proved to be as effective as stimulants.
Non-stimulant medication
Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD because they are less likely to be misused or develop addiction. However, they aren't as effective as the stimulants, and it could be difficult to find 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 a doctor. Some supplements and vitamins also claim to treat ADHD however the evidence isn't strong. Some of them may interact with stimulant medication.