Does ADHD Medication Work?
When someone gets a prescription for ADHD medication, they usually worry about whether it will be effective and how long it will last. Here are some simple answers.
Stimulants modify brain chemicals that transmit messages regarding attention and activity. They include dopamine and norepinephrine. They are the first-line option for adults with ADHD.
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used medications to manage ADHD. They alter the neurotransmitters (like dopamine) in the brain to help people stay focused and organized. About 80 percent of ADHD adults and children experience improved symptoms once they find the right stimulant formulation and dose.
They are not addictive unless prescribed by a doctor and taken according to the prescription. However, when they are misused (like when they are injected or snorted) or used by people without ADHD they may result in addiction and other mental health issues.
Healthcare providers treat ADHD by using a variety of amphetamine and methylphenidate-based drugs. Most doctors begin with a small dose the medication, then increase it gradually until the patient is able to control their symptoms. Stimulant medications are available in a variety of forms including extended-release tablets, tablets and quick-acting.
Side effects are a common component of taking stimulant drugs however, they tend to go away after the first few weeks of treatment, or when you and your physician modify the dosage. Common side effects of stimulants are reduced appetite, weight loss or changes in appetite, difficulty getting to sleep, an increase in heart rate and irritability or sadness.
The majority of stimulant medications are safe for the majority of healthy people It's still important to stay clear of illegal drugs and supplements that claim to treat ADHD. Only doctors and certain health professionals are able to prescribe these medications. Supplements such as melatonin and omega-3 fish oil have not been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
It is important to consult your doctor when you or your child experiences new side effects following the use of an stimulant. It could be a sign that the medicine isn't working or that there are other health issues that require attention.
It's also important to take the medication at the same time every day to ensure that it stands the greatest chance of reducing ADHD symptoms. Some families opt to continue taking stimulant medication after their child is no longer showing symptoms, but this is not required for all. It is possible to step back from stimulants, particularly for teens, to study how their brains function and assist them in learning to deal with ADHD.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulant medication has been used for many years to treat ADHD. It is effective for 70-80 percent of adults and children, and can enhance their ability to focus and pay attention. It can also help control their impulsive behavior. These medications work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They work by increasing dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels which help manage ADHD symptoms, such as short attention spans and impulsive behaviors. These medications are available in a variety of liquid and tablet forms, including immediate-release formulas used up to three times a day to boost focus quickly and extended-release tablets that work all day long.
The latest nonstimulant medicines may be less effective than stimulants but generally safe for the majority of people. These medications are available as capsules and chewables. They can be added to food and drinks for children who have difficulties swallowing pills. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant to be approved for ADHD treatment. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that increases the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. It can also be used to treat depression.
The effects of medications differ for each individual and it can take time to find the appropriate dosage and the right formulation of medication. Be patient and speak to your doctor if you or your child are having problems with the medication.
It's possible to switch between stimulants or non-stimulants if one isn't working for you. It's essential to speak to your psychiatrist about any other medical issues you or your child has and any other medications you're taking (including prescription medications) and what you're eating or drinking.
It is also recommended to have your blood pressure checked prior to making any changes to or additions to your ADHD medication. It's often found that methylphenidate-based drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin, can cause a slight increase in blood pressure in some people. Some individuals may need to take a break from their medicine during actual vacations or holidays, and return to it after they're back at school or at home. Regular exercise can improve the ability to focus and reduce risky behaviors associated with ADHD.
3. Other medicines
The majority of ADHD medications require a prescription. Doctors must be able to monitor patients to determine the appropriate dosage and drug type. Teachers and parents can be asked to complete behavioral rating scales and also observe the person's reaction to the medication.
Stimulant drugs are often the first course of treatment for children and adults suffering from ADHD. They help by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine that are found in the brain, thereby increasing concentration and decreasing fatigue. They can help 70 to 80% of adults and children suffering from ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They can help reduce the tendency to fidget, interrupting, and forgetting things, reduce the impulsive behavior of jumping, running, or shouting, and can improve social skills and school performance. They can also lower blood pressure and heart rate. Most stimulant medications come in both short-acting (that lasts between 4 and 6 hours) as well as long-acting (that can last up to 12 hours).
Nonstimulant drugs don't increase the brain chemicals dopamine or norepinephrine. However, they can help reduce symptoms for around 50 percent of ADHD sufferers. They can aid in reducing impulsive behaviors improve focus and mood, and make it easier to follow instructions. They can also decrease aggression and improve relationships. These drugs include the drugs atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). inattentive adhd medication are also used in conjunction with stimulants.
A tiny percentage of adults and children taking stimulant medications can become sedated or zombie-like, or they may get angry or tearful while the medication is in their system. If this happens, it is a sign that the dosage is too high and should be adjusted.
Many different medications have been found to be effective in treating ADHD. It could take more trial and error to discover the medication that is most effective for your child or yourself. The medication needs to be taken regularly to be effective. If someone discontinues taking it, ADHD symptoms return. The commitment to medication is for life, and it takes time to identify the right dosage and drug that gives the best results with the fewest adverse negative effects.
4. Behavioral therapies
Many people with ADHD do not find that medication eliminates all of their symptoms. Behavioral therapy can improve their ability to manage these symptoms and increase their daily functioning. In addition, it can improve their relationships with others, enhance confidence and self-esteem, and increase their confidence.
Behavioral therapies are typically utilized in conjunction with ADHD medication. This multi-component treatment approach will yield the most effective results for children suffering from ADHD. Combining behavior management with medication is more effective than either method on its own.
A therapist will work with the child to help him learn new skills that can aid him in overcoming his ADHD symptoms. This typically involves teaching them organizational strategies and how to reduce distractions. This may also include teaching them how to cope in the event of emotional distress, like mindfulness meditation and emotion-regulation skills. Behavioral therapy is typically delivered in groups. This allows the therapists to support and reinforce several children simultaneously, increasing the chances that a child will complete the program.
The therapist can also assist parents in teaching how to encourage positive behavior. They will help them develop a system for rewarding good behavior and use discipline when necessary. They will also help them learn about time management, goal setting, and planning. The therapist might also suggest the use of a reward chart that allows the child to earn points for completing tasks. The therapist may need to introduce negative consequences, such as losing points, if the child does not follow through on their obligations.
Those who do not respond to medication could be able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy focuses primarily on changing the way the person perceives their problems. It may help them discover how to manage their emotions and decrease their impulse-driven behavior.
Behavioral therapies are usually less expensive than medications. However, they can take longer to yield results. If symptoms do not improve after a period of time, it's important to speak with your doctor about what might be the cause of them becoming worse. It could be that the child isn't taking their medicine correctly, or that the dosage needs to be increased. It could be that stress-inducing life circumstances can be affecting the child to focus. CHADD and its National Resource Center, ADDA and the ADDitude Directory all have find-a-therapist tools that give a list of therapists who offer CBT.