Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulant medication can trigger side effects such as an upset stomach, tics or minor growth delay. They can also affect heart rate and blood pressure.
It's important to work with an expert to determine the proper dosage. This could be a trial-and-error process that can take months or weeks. Always follow the directions on the label of the medication to determine weight and age.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They help people focus on their thoughts and ignore distracting stimuli. Since the beginning of time stimulants have been prescribed to treat ADHD. They are among the most frequently prescribed medications to control symptoms of the condition in children and adults. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a variety of brand-name stimulants. They come in tablet and liquid forms and are available as short-acting, intermediate, or long-acting drugs. People suffering from ADHD may require different medications and dosages before settling on the one that is right for them.
In studies, these medications improve the core ADHD symptoms of hyperarousal, impulsivity, and inattention in 70 to 80 percent of those who use these medications. They also help with some related problems, like poor self-control and trouble staying focused at work or at school. In certain cases the symptoms might improve immediately. Others may require the medication for a few weeks before they notice the effects. People taking stimulants must be careful not to abuse them, and must stay clear of alcohol, recreational drugs, and nicotine.
The effects of stimulants' side effects tend to manifest within the first few days or weeks of starting a new medication or increasing its dose. The majority of side effects will fade away as soon as your body gets used to the medication or when the dose is increased. If they persist, speak to your doctor.
here -stimulant drugs take longer to begin working and their effects can last for up to 24 hours. They are easier to take since they don't cause a rapid rise in blood pressure and heart rate. They are less likely to be misused and do not have the same impact on the long-term brain development of children's brains as stimulants do.
They are mainly used in children and teenagers because their brains are still developing. Adults might not consider them as effective, but they can still be useful in the event that other treatments don't work.
These medications are strictly monitored due to their potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians and psychologists can prescribe them, and they have to undergo a lengthy evaluation process. They are usually paired with a behavioral therapy program that helps patients develop strategies to manage their symptoms. These skills include learning how to establish goals, track their progress, and problem-solve when things go wrong.