What Medication Do You Take For Add

adhd

ADHD Medications

Are ADHD drugs right for you lot or your child? What you need to know, including common side furnishings and tips for taking them responsibly.

Young girl on sofa in child-oriented exam room, speaking with counselor

Medication for ADHD: What you lot need to know

Medication tin can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity in children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly known as Add together. However, medications come with side furnishings and risks—and they're non the only handling option. Whether you're the parent or the patient, it's important to learn the facts well-nigh ADHD medication so you lot tin brand an informed decision about what's all-time for yous or your child.

The offset thing to empathise is exactly what medications for ADHD can and tin can't do. ADHD medication may assist ameliorate the ability to concentrate, control impulses, programme alee, and follow through with tasks. However, it isn't a magic pill that volition fix all of your or your child'due south problems. Even when the medication is working, a child with ADHD might still struggle with forgetfulness, emotional problems, and social awkwardness, or an adult with disorganization, distractibility, and relationship difficulties. That's why it's so important to too brand lifestyle changes that include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient slumber.

Medication doesn't cure ADHD. It can relieve symptoms while it's beingness taken, but in one case medication stops, those symptoms come back. As well, ADHD medication helps some more than than others. Some people experience dramatic improvement while others experience only pocket-size gains. Because each person responds differently and unpredictably to medication for ADHD, its use should e'er be personalized to the individual and closely monitored by a doctor. When medication for ADHD is not carefully monitored, information technology is less constructive and more risky.

Stimulant medications for ADHD

Stimulants are the most mutual blazon of medication prescribed for attention arrears disorder. They have the longest track record for treating ADHD and the most research to dorsum up their effectiveness. The stimulant class of medication includes widely used drugs such equally Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine.

Stimulants are believed to piece of work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.

Short-acting vs. long-acting stimulants

Stimulants for ADHD come in both brusque- and long-acting dosages. Short-acting stimulants peak afterwards several hours, and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting or extended-release stimulants last eight-12 hours, and are normally taken just one time a day.

The long-acting versions of ADHD medication are frequently preferred, since people with ADHD often have problem remembering to accept their pills. Taking merely one dose a day is much easier and more user-friendly.

Common side effects of stimulants include:

Feeling restless and jittery
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of ambition
Headaches
Upset stomach

Irritability, mood swings
Depression
Dizziness
Racing heartbeat
Tics

Stimulant medications may also cause personality changes. Some people become withdrawn, listless, rigid, or less spontaneous and talkative. Others develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Since stimulants raise blood pressure and heart rate, many experts worry well-nigh the dangers of taking these ADHD drugs for extended periods.

Stimulant medication prophylactic concerns

Beyond the potential side furnishings, there are a number of safety concerns associated with the use of stimulant medications for ADHD.

Outcome on the developing brain. The long-term impact of ADHD medication on the youthful, developing brain is not yet known. Some researchers are concerned that the apply of drugs such as Ritalin in children and teens might interfere with normal brain development.

Heart-related issues. ADHD stimulant medications have been found to cause sudden expiry in children and adults with heart atmospheric condition. The American Heart Association recommends that all individuals, including children, have a cardiac evaluation prior to starting a stimulant. An electrocardiogram is recommended if the person has a history of heart problems.

Psychiatric problems. Stimulants for ADHD can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of hostility, aggression, anxiety, depression, and paranoia. People with a personal or family history of suicide, depression, or bipolar disorder are at a particularly high risk, and should be advisedly monitored when taking stimulants.

Potential for abuse. Stimulant corruption is a growing problem, specially amid teens and young adults. College students take this medication for a boost when cramming for exams or pulling all-nighters. Others abuse stimulant meds for their weight-loss backdrop. If your kid is taking stimulants, make sure he or she isn't sharing the pills or selling them.

ADHD stimulants are not recommended for those with:

Whatever blazon of eye defect or disease
High blood force per unit area
Hyperthyroidism

Glaucoma
Loftier levels of feet
A history of drug abuse

Stimulant Medication Red Flags

Phone call your doctor right abroad if you or your child feel any of the following symptoms while taking stimulant medication for ADHD:

chest pain
shortness of breath
fainting
seeing or hearing things that aren't real
suspicion or paranoia

Not-stimulant medications for ADHD

In addition to the traditional stimulant drugs, there are several other medications used to treat ADHD, including Strattera, atypical antidepressants, and certain blood force per unit area medications. In nigh cases, non-stimulant medications are considered when stimulants haven't worked or have caused intolerable side furnishings.

Strattera

Strattera, as well known past its generic name atomoxetine, is the only non-stimulant medication canonical by the FDA for ADHD treatment. Unlike stimulants, which affect dopamine, Strattera boosts the levels of norepinephrine, a different brain chemical.

Strattera is longer-acting than the stimulant drugs. Its furnishings last over 24 hours—making it a good pick for those who accept trouble getting started in the morning. Since it has some antidepressant backdrop, it's too a top choice for those with co-existing feet or depression. Another plus is that information technology doesn't exacerbate tics or Tourette's Syndrome.

On the other hand, Strattera doesn't appear to be as constructive equally the stimulant medications for treating symptoms of hyperactivity.

Mutual side furnishings of Strattera include:

Sleepiness
Headaches
Dizziness
Abdominal hurting or upset tum
Nausea or vomiting
Mood swings

Straterra can also cause insomnia and appetite suppression, merely these side effects are more than mutual in stimulants.

Strattera Suicide Risk in Children

Strattera may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some people, especially children and younger adults who take bipolar disorder or depression in improver to ADHD.

Call the doctor immediately if your child shows agitation, irritability, suicidal thinking or behaviors, and unusual changes in beliefs.

Other medication options

The following medications are sometimes used "off-label" in the treatment of attention arrears disorder, although they are non FDA canonical for this purpose. They should only exist considered when stimulants or Strattera aren't viable options.

High blood pressure medication for ADHD – Certain blood pressure level medications can exist used to treat ADHD. Options include clonidine (Catapres) and guanfacine (Tenex). But while these medications can be effective for hyperactivity, impulsivity, and assailment, they are less helpful when information technology comes to attention bug.

Antidepressants for ADHD – For people suffering from both ADHD and low, sure antidepressants, which target multiple neurotransmitters in the brain, may be prescribed. Wellbutrin, also known by the generic name bupropion, is almost widely used. Wellbutrin targets both norepinephrine and dopamine. Some other option is the use of tricyclic antidepressants.

Deciding whether or non to take ADHD medication

Even when armed with all the facts, deciding whether or not to take ADD/ADHD medication isn't always like shooting fish in a barrel. If you lot're unsure, don't rush the decision. Take your time to counterbalance the options. And if the medication is for your child, be sure to get their input in the decision-making process.

Near importantly, trust your instincts and practice what feels right to you. Don't permit anyone—exist information technology your doctor or the primary at your child's school—pressure level your child into medication if you're not comfy with information technology. Call back: medication isn't the but treatment option. For immature children especially, medication should be viewed every bit a last resort, not the first course of treatment to try.

Questions to enquire an ADHD specialist

Consulting with an ADHD specialist or an experienced psychiatrist tin can assist you lot understand the pros and cons of medication. Hither are some questions to ask:

What ADHD treatments do you recommend?
Can the symptoms be managed without medication?
What medications do you recommend and what are the side effects?
How effective is medication for ADHD?
How long will the medication be necessary for treatment?
What factors will influence the decision to stop medication?

For Parents: Helpful questions about ADHD medication

When deciding whether or non to put your child on medication, Jerome Schultz, Ph.D., ADHD expert, says to first consider the following questions:

Has my child been helped by non-medication approaches? Self-calming techniques, deep animate, and yoga can often help children with ADHD.
Has the school tried to teach my kid to exist more attentive and less active?
What is the decision to put my child on medication based on? Is it the consequence of behavioral observations over time and in different settings, such as in school and at habitation?
When is my child at their best? Fishing with an uncle or playing video games? Help the dr. sympathise how pervasive or selective the problem is.
Does my kid have other conditions that tin be mistaken for hyperactivity? Children exposed to toxic chemicals or who have undiagnosed learning disabilities and low-level anxiety disorder may demonstrate similar behaviors.

Source:Family Education Network

ADHD medication alone is not enough

Treatment for attending deficit disorder isn't only about seeing doctors or taking medication. There are many means to help yourself or your kid tackle the challenges of ADHD and lead a calmer, more than productive life. With the right tips and tools, you can manage many of the symptoms of your ADHD on your own. Even if you choose to accept medication, healthy lifestyle habits and other cocky-assistance strategies may enable y'all to have a lower dose.

Exercise regularly. Exercising is 1 of the most constructive ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Physical activity boosts the brain'southward dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which impact focus and attention. Try walking, skateboarding, hiking, dancing or playing a favorite sport. Encourage your child to put downwards the video games and play outside.

Eat a healthy nutrition. While diet doesn't crusade ADHD, information technology does have an upshot on mood, energy levels, and symptoms. Set up regular snack and meal times. Add together more omega-iii fatty acids to your nutrition and brand sure you're getting enough zinc, iron, and magnesium.

Go enough of slumber. Regular quality sleep can atomic number 82 to vast improvement in the symptoms of ADHD. Elementary changes to daytime habits go a long manner toward resting well at nighttime. Have a prepare bedtime and stick to it. Avoid caffeine later on in the solar day.

Maintain a positive attitude. A positive attitude and mutual sense are your best avails for treating ADHD. When you lot are in a adept frame of listen, you are more than likely to be able to connect with your own needs or your kid's.

Try therapy. ADHD professionals can help you or your child larn new skills to cope with symptoms and change habits that are causing issues. Some therapies focus on managing stress and anger or decision-making impulsive behaviors, while others teach you how to manage time, improve organizational skills, and persist toward goals.

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Guidelines for taking ADHD medication

If yous determine to take medication for ADHD, information technology'due south important to accept the drug as directed. Post-obit your doctor and chemist'south instructions volition help you maximize the effectiveness of medication for ADHD and minimize the side furnishings and risks. Hither are some guidelines for safe use:

Learn nearly the prescribed medication. Notice out everything you lot can about the ADHD medication you lot or your child is taking, including potential side effects, how often to take information technology, special warnings, and other substances that should be avoided, such as over-the-counter cold medication.

Be patient. Finding the correct medication and dose is a trial-and-error process. It will take some experimenting, equally well as open up, honest communication with your doctor.

Start small. It'southward always best to outset with a low dose and work upwardly from there. The goal is to observe the lowest possible dose that relieves you or your child'south symptoms.

Monitor the drug's furnishings. Pay close attention to the effect the medication is having on your or your child's emotions and behavior. Go along rails of any side effects and monitor how well the medication is working to reduce symptoms.

Taper off slowly. If you lot or your child wants to end taking medication, telephone call the doctor for guidance on gradually decreasing the dose. Abruptly stopping medication can atomic number 82 to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such every bit irritability, fatigue, low, and headaches.

Talking to your child about ADHD medication

Many kids and teens with ADHD don't have their medication correctly—or stop taking it without talking to their parents or doc—so if your child is on ADHD meds, make certain that he or she understands how to take the medication correctly and why following prescription guidelines are of import.

Encourage your child to come to y'all with any medication-related concerns and then you can work together to solve the problem or notice another treatment selection. It'due south also of import to retrieve that ADHD medication should never have a numbing effect on a child'south energy, curiosity or enthusiasm. A child still needs to behave like a child.

Monitoring ADHD medication's furnishings on your child

Here is a list of questions you should ask when your child begins medication therapy, changes dosage, or starts taking a different medication:

Is the medication having a positive touch on your child's mood and/or beliefs?
Do you recall the dosage or medication is working? Does your kid recall the dosage or medication is working?
Does the dose need to be increased or decreased? What was the change in a specific behavior or set of behaviors that caused y'all to conclude that the medication needed to be evaluated?
Is your kid experiencing any side effects, such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue or sleeplessness, (or suicidal thoughts if taking Strattera)? What is the likelihood that those side effects will last? (Ask your doctor). Practise whatever lasting side effects (if whatsoever) outweigh the medication'due south benefits?
Do you or your child think a medication or dosage level has stopped working?

Source:From Anarchy to Calm: Effective Parenting of Challenging Children with ADHD and Other Behavioral Problems, by Janet East. Heininger and Sharon Grand. Weiss.

Dealing with side effects

Almost children and adults taking medication for ADHD will feel at to the lowest degree a few side furnishings. Sometimes, side effects become away later the first few weeks on the medication. You may also be able to eliminate or reduce unpleasant side effects with a few simple strategies.

Loss of appetite. To deal with reduced appetite, swallow healthy snacks throughout the solar day and push dinner to a later time when the medication has worn off.

Indisposition. If getting to sleep is a problem, effort taking the stimulant earlier in the day. If you or your child is taking an extended-release stimulant, you can besides attempt switching to the curt-interim form. Also avoid caffeinated beverages, especially in the afternoon or evening.

Stomach upset or headaches. Don't take the medication on an empty stomach, which can cause nausea, stomach hurting, and headaches. Headaches can also be triggered by medication that'south wearing off, so switching to a long-interim drug may help.

Dizziness. First, accept you or your child's blood pressure checked. If information technology'due south normal, you may want to reduce your dose or switch to a long-interim stimulant. Also make sure yous're drinking enough fluids.

Mood changes. If medication is causing irritability, low, agitation, or other emotional side effects, try lowering the dose. Moodiness may as well be caused by the rebound effect, in which case it may help to overlap the doses or switch to an extended-release medication.

If troublesome side effects persist despite your best efforts to manage them, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose or trying a unlike drug. Many people respond better to the long-acting or extended release formulations of ADHD medication, which build gradually in the bloodstream and then wearable off slowly. This minimizes the ups and downs caused by fluctuating medication levels and causes less of a rebound upshot, where symptoms return, often worse than before, equally the drug wears off.