Why People Don't Care About Medication For ADHD
Finding the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication helps many people with ADHD focus and pay attention. It also helps them manage their impulses. Medicines affect everyone differently. Finding the appropriate dosage and medication can take a while.
medication for inattentive adhd (Ritalin, Adderall, and other brands) increase the levels of dopamine in the brain and increase concentration. These are the most commonly used ADHD treatments.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of certain brain chemicals known as catecholamines (dopamine and noradrenaline) [3*]. This boosts their effects on energy, concentration and general mood, making it easier for people suffering from ADHD to complete their tasks. These medications can also improve the capacity of an individual to learn, and also reduce symptoms like impulsivity and excessive activity. These medicines are strictly controlled due to their potential abuse. In Australia only paediatricians or psychiatrists are able to prescribe them (GPs under special circumstances). A thorough assessment is required before they are prescribed.
The most common kind of stimulant used to treat ADHD is the methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin). It is a stimulant that increases activity in areas of the brain that are involved with behavior and attention. It comes as immediate-release tablets that are taken between two and three times a day, and as patches or tablets with extended release (taken each day in the morning with the medication slowly released throughout the day). These medications are available in liquid form, such as Ritalin Ready-to-Swallow. This is a great option for children who have difficulty swallowing pills. There's also a longer-acting version of the medication, Daytrana Patch, which adheres to the skin like a bandage and can be useful for children who forget to take their medication at the end of the daytime.
These medicines help between 70 and 80 percent of children and adults with ADHD. They ease symptoms such as fidgeting, difficulty paying attention and interrupting other people. They do not cure ADHD, and symptoms will come back after the drug wears off. This is why it's crucial to take the medicine as prescribed, and not try to reduce or alter the dosage without your doctor's approval.
The majority of people do not experience any side effects however they are possible. If they do happen, they are usually experienced in the first few weeks or days after the introduction of an entirely new medication or increasing the dosage. They can disappear on their own, or a doctor may decide to modify the medication or reduce the dosage.
Stimulant medications are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and are classified as Schedule II, meaning they are at risk of abuse and dependence. When used as prescribed the medication can help people with ADHD concentrate, finish their work and develop good social skills. They can even help improve the lives of those who do not suffer from ADHD.
It could take some time to find the best dosage and medication for a specific person particularly if they suffer from other medical conditions or are taking other medications. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child is taking, including over-the-counter supplements and drinks with caffeine. This will help them monitor the effectiveness of the medication and watch for any potentially dangerous or uncomfortable adverse effects. It's important to tell your doctor about any emotional or behavioural issues that you or your child may be experiencing. This will ensure that they get the best results from the medication.