20 Things You Need To Be Educated About Adhd Treatment Without Medication
How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication
Medical treatments can ease ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter, in the brain.
Children with ADHD are often prescribed stimulants.
You can select between short- or long-acting doses. adhd medication are more efficient and last for between 8 and 12 hours. They must be taken only one time per day. They also lessen the rebound effect, which is when symptoms return, often worse than before, as the medication wears off.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used type of prescription medication healthcare providers utilize to treat ADHD. They boost the levels neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain, called norepinephrine and dopamine. This helps you focus and pay attention.
However, stimulants can also cause negative effects, especially when used for long duration. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking these medications, and also about possible changes in mood, appetite and heart rate and how they affect your sleep.
If you take an anti-stimulation medication for long periods of time, you may be at risk for addiction or misuse. Addiction occurs the feeling that you cannot control your urge to take a stimulant drug, even if it has adverse effects. Addiction may be a sign of a desire to take more than your doctor suggests or being dependent on the drug.
A high dose of stimulant medication can also lead to other health problems including depression and suicidal thoughts. If you suspect that you or someone else you know might be taking these drugs to harm themselves or others, you should contact your local police department or other authorities immediately.
Amphetamines (brand-name Ritalin, Concerta, or Dexamphetamine) are among the most frequently used stimulants for treating ADHD. Amphetamines are available in immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (intermediate-acting) tablets, capsules or liquids. They are typically taken once or twice daily.
The amphetamines with longer-acting effects work better than their shorter-acting counterparts. They last from six to eight hours and help you through the day without having to deal with "ups and downs."
You may want to consider using extended-release stimulants with immediate-release medications in the late afternoon to mid afternoon. This is a good option should ADHD symptoms start to manifest later in the daytime, or when the medication wears off too early.
To aid you in falling asleep it is recommended to take a small amount of an effective stimulant that lasts for a long time can be taken prior to bedtime. You shouldn't take this medication even if you're not hungry. It could cause sleep issues and energy loss.
Sleepiness is a common reaction to stimulants in the initial stages of treatment. It is possible to minimize this by not taking the medicine before bed and sleeping enough on a regular basis.
Anxiety is another frequent side effect of stimulants. It can be either severe or mild and may cause tics. These are sudden movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also exacerbate the effects of depression and bipolar disorder.
Changes in blood pressure and heart rate are also possible, but these effects are usually minor. Your doctor can prescribe an medication to lower your blood pressure and improve your heart function when you begin using stimulants for ADHD.
Sleepiness is also a possible adverse effect of ADHD medication. This can be less of a concern when you begin to take stimulants in conjunction with an ointment prescribed for sleep, or by using a relaxation or meditation method prior to going to bed.