20 Questions You Should Ask About Does ADHD Medication Work Before Purchasing It
Does ADHD Medication Work?
When someone is given ADHD medication, they worry about how long the treatment will last and whether it works. Here are some easy answers.
Stimulants modify brain chemicals that send messages about activity and attention. Dopamine, norepinephrine and other brain chemicals are included. They are the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD.
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain (like dopamine) which help people remain focused and organized. Around 80% of children and adults with ADHD notice improvement in symptoms after identifying the appropriate dosage and formulation of stimulants.
These drugs do not become addictive until they are 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 can create addiction and other mental health problems.
Healthcare providers treat ADHD with a range of amphetamine and methylphenidate-based drugs. Most doctors begin with a small dose of the medication, and then increase it gradually until the patient is able control their symptoms. The stimulant medications are available in a variety of forms from tablets to extended-release to rapid-acting.
Side effects are a common component of taking stimulant drugs however, they typically disappear within the first few weeks of treatment or when you and your doctor modify the dosage. Common adverse effects of stimulants include decreased appetite, loss of weight or change in appetite, difficulty getting to sleep, an increase in heart rate and irritability as well as sadness.
The majority of stimulant medications are safe for healthy people. However it is crucial to avoid illegal drugs or vitamins that claim to treat ADHD. These medications are only prescribed by doctors or certain healthcare providers. Supplements like melatonin or omega-3 fish oil have not been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
It is important to consult your doctor in the event that you or your child is experiencing new side effects after the use of a stimulant. It could be an indication that the medication isn't doing its job or you are suffering from other health issues that require attention.
It's important to take the medication every day at the same time. This will help reduce ADHD symptoms. Many families opt to continue to take stimulant medication once their child is no longer suffering from symptoms but this isn't required for all. It's possible to step back from stimulants, especially for teens, to study how their brains work and to help them learn how to cope with ADHD.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulant medications are among the most well-established methods of ADHD treatment. It is effective in 70 to 80 percent of both adults and children and can improve their ability to focus, pay attention and control their impulsive behaviors. These medications increase the levels of specific brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels which help manage ADHD symptoms such as short attention spans and impulsive behavior. These drugs are available in various tablet and liquid forms with immediate-release formulations that can be taken up to three times per day to get an immediate boost in focus and extended-release tablets which work throughout the day.
The newer medications that are not stimulants are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe for a majority of people. They are prescribed in various capsules and chewables, and can be added to food and drinks if you or your child has trouble swallowing pills. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first non-stimulant that has been approved for ADHD treatment. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which increases the amount norepinephrine within the brain. It is also used to treat depression.
Medications work differently for every person and sometimes it takes time to find the appropriate dose and formulation of medication. Be patient, and speak with your doctor about any issues you or your child have with the medication.
It's possible to switch between stimulants and non-stimulants if one isn't working for you. Talk to your psychiatrist any other medical conditions you or your child might be suffering from, as well as any other medications (including prescription medications) as well as the foods you consume or drink.
Before you start or alter your ADHD medication, you should be sure to have your blood pressure checked. 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 people need to stop taking their medication during vacations or during holidays, and resume it when they return to school or their home. Regular exercise can aid in improving attention and may reduce the risky behaviors associated with ADHD.
3. Other medications
The majority of ADHD medications require prescriptions, and doctors have to monitor patients to determine the right dose and drug type. Teachers and parents may be asked to complete behavior rating scales and also examine the person's reactions to medication.
Stimulant drugs are typically the first line of treatment for children and adults suffering from ADHD. They are used to increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine that are found in the brain, improving attention and decreasing fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention they can help 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They can decrease fidgeting and forgetting, decrease impulsive behavior like running, jumping and yelling and improve social skills. They can also reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Most stimulant medications come in both short-acting (that lasts from 4 to 6 hours) and long-acting (that can last for up to 12 hours).
Nonstimulant medications do not increase levels of the brain's chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine but they do help to reduce symptoms in around 50% of those suffering from ADHD. They can help with impulsive behaviors, improve concentration and mood, and make it easier to follow instructions. They can also decrease aggression and improve relationships. These medications include the drugs atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These medications can be used in combination with stimulants.
A small percentage of adults and children taking stimulant medications can experience a state of euphoria or even a zombie-like feeling or even angry or tearful while the medication is in their system. If this occurs it is because the dosage is too high and must be reduced.
ADHD can be treated with a range of medications. It can require several trials and error to find the one that works best for you or your child. The medication must be taken regularly to ensure its effectiveness. If someone quits taking it, ADHD symptoms return. It takes time to find the right dosage and medication that provides the most effective results and has the lowest negative side consequences.
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For many people suffering from ADHD medications do not alleviate all of their symptoms. Behavioral therapy can improve their ability to manage these symptoms and improve their ability to function in everyday life. It can also improve their relationships with others, boost their self-esteem, and increase their confidence.
Behavioral therapies are typically used in combination with ADHD medication. This multi-component treatment method provides the best outcomes for children with ADHD. The combination of medication and behavior management are more effective than any approach alone.
Therapists work with the child to help them develop new skills to help them deal with their ADHD symptoms. Most often, this involves teaching them how to organize their life and decreasing distractions. This may also include teaching them how to cope in the event of emotional distress, such mindfulness meditation and emotion-regulation skills. Behavioral therapy is typically delivered in groups. This allows the therapist to provide support and reinforcement to a variety of children at the same time, which increases the likelihood that the child will follow through with the program.
The therapist may also work with parents to teach how to reinforce positive behavior. They will help them develop a system for rewarding good behavior and using discipline when necessary. They will also help teach the child about time management and goal setting. The therapist may recommend the use of a reward chart that allows the child to earn points for completing tasks. If the child fails to adhere to their responsibilities the therapist may have to introduce negative consequences, such as losing points.
Those who do not respond to medication may be able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy focuses on changing how people view their issues. It could also help them learn how to manage their emotions and reduce their impulsive behavior.
Behavioral therapies are typically less expensive than medications. However, they can take longer to yield results. If symptoms don't improve after a certain time frame, it's essential to talk with your doctor about the reason that is making them worse. It could be that the child isn't getting their medication right or that the dosage should be increased. It could be that stress-inducing life situations can be affecting the child's focus. CHADD and its National Resource Center, ADDA and the ADDitude Directory all have find-a-therapist features that will provide a list of providers who offer CBT.