Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Patients with active issues with addiction shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those who are in stable remission might consider them. Combination therapy using antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar to each other. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the drug. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become visible. The medication will be effective when you notice improvements in concentration, memory sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
These medications can cause side effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take these medications. They are controlled substances with a potential for abuse. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists or, in some instances, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. You can get them in the form or pills, tablets patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to stop the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
Going On this page are used for around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults experience improvement in their symptoms with treatment. This is especially true for those with parents, teachers or caregivers who observe improvements.
The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later in the course of. Wilens and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders in adolescents, but that this protective effect wanes in the early years of adulthood.