Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulant medications may cause side effects such as nausea or tics, or even minor growth delays. They can also affect blood pressure and heart rate.
It is crucial to consult an expert to determine the proper dosage. This could be a trial-and-error process that could take a few weeks or even months. Always follow the directions on the label of the medication for age and weight.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, assisting people focus their thoughts and avoid distractions. Since several decades the use of stimulants has been a common treatment for ADHD. These are the most common medications prescribed to control the symptoms of ADHD in adults and children. The Food and Drug Administration approved several brand-name stimulants. They are available in liquid and tablet forms and are available as short-acting, intermediate, or long-acting drugs. Patients with ADHD often need to experiment with different dosages and medications to determine the best ones for them.
In studies, these medicines improve the core ADHD symptoms of hyperarousal, impulsivity, and inattention in 70-80 percent of those who take these medicines. They also aid in addressing related issues, such as low self-control and trouble keeping on track at work or school. In some instances, patients might notice that their symptoms improve right away. Others may need to take the medicine for several weeks before they begin to notice the effects. Anyone who takes stimulants should be aware of their potential for abuse and stay clear of the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, and nicotine.
In the initial weeks or days following the start of a new medication, or increasing the dosage stimulants can trigger adverse effects. Most of the side effects will fade away once your body gets used to the medication, or when the dosage is increased. If they continue to recur, talk to your doctor.
Non-stimulant drugs require longer to kick in and their effects can last up to 24 hours. They are more convenient to take because they don't trigger an immediate increase in blood pressure or heart rate. They are less likely to be abused and have less of an impact on the long-term brain development of young people as stimulants.
They are mainly used in teens and children because their brains are still developing. similar resource site may not consider them as effective, but they can still be useful in the event that other treatments don't work.
These medications are strictly controlled due to their potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and paediatricians can prescribe these drugs, and they have to undergo a lengthy evaluative process. They are often combined therapy for behavioral issues that help patients develop skills to manage their symptoms. These skills include learning to set goals, monitor progress, and fix problems when things go wrong.
