5 Add ADHD Medications Lessons From Professionals
5 Add ADHD Medications Lessons From Professionals
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Add ADHD Medications
70 70% to 80% of adults and children with ADHD benefit from stimulant drugs. They can reduce the tendency to fidget, interrupt and other problematic behavior, and increase focus and concentration.
Side effects are common, but usually mild and disappear as time passes. They include nausea, heart rate and blood pressure changes as well as anxiety, tics, and heart rate changes.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of certain brain chemicals to help you stay awake and focus, as well as to help you be active. They are used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. They can also be used to treat obesity, narcolepsy and depression.
There are various kinds of stimulants but they all function in the same way. They target dopamine (a brain chemical that plays a role in motivation, control of movement, and behavior). They ease ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80% people when taken in the prescribed dosage. They reduce distracting behaviors, fidgeting and interrupting, and improve the ability to follow directions and complete tasks.
Most stimulants are in the methylphenidate category, and include methylphenidate, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin and various brand-name medications. Amphetamines belong to another group, which includes Adderall, Dexedrine, and others. There are a variety of types of these drugs, from liquid to chewable tablets, and even a skin patch for kids. The methylphenidate and amphetamine categories are classified in the Schedule II class of drugs, meaning they are prone to abuse. Research has shown that people who take adhd medications according to the prescription are less likely to develop substance abuse disorders.
Although stimulants aren't thought to be habit-forming but they can have side effects such as headaches, stomach upsets and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also affect sleep and appetite. Consult your doctor if there are heart problems or high blood pressure before taking these drugs.
Stimulant medications may interfere with medications used to treat psychiatric conditions, like mood stabilizers or antidepressants. It is important to inform your doctor about all drugs you take, IamPsychiatry including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements.
Some people are unable to get the correct dosage of medication and have to adjust it as needed. Doctors can also alter the type of medication you're taking, or change the time of day it is taken.
Combining stimulants with medications to treat the treatment of comorbid conditions can yield better results. Your doctor will determine if require a comorbid treatment according to the symptoms and needs of your condition.
The most common comorbid disorders that are treated with stimulants are depression and anxiety. In some instances a psychiatrist or neurologist could be involved in your care, depending on the severity of your comorbid disorder.
Referrals to specialists can help you receive the best possible treatment. A psychiatrist or psychologist will determine if you suffer from any mental disorders that require treatment, and ensure that you're receiving the correct dosage of medication. If your symptoms suggest a neurological disorder like seizures, they can refer you to a neurologist. They can also provide support and help in managing a mental condition. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that all children suffering from ADHD be directed to mental health professionals.