Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the main treatment for adding. The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, treating adult adhd who are in stable remission may look into them. Combination therapy using antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, is an alternative option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between synapses in the brain. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each individual and how they respond to it. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are evident. The medicine will work when you notice improvements in memory, concentration, sleep, and impulsivity.
Medications in this class can cause side effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may increase heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not take these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or, in some instances, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of tablets, pills patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. In this situation the doctor will decrease the dose to stop the drug from causing more symptoms.
Stimulant medicines are used for approximately 70-80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults experience improvement in their symptoms with treatment. This is particularly the case for children who have parents, teachers or caregivers who report improvements.
The early use of stimulants may reduce the risk of substance use disorders later in the course of. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during the adolescent period. However, this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.