Treatment For ADHD
The main treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and Guanfacine.
source web page with active issues with addiction are not advised to take stimulant medication. However, those who are in stable remission can take them into consideration. Combination therapy using antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, is an alternative option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar medicines. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each individual and how they react to it. It could take up to seven days for full effects of a drug to become apparent. The medicine will work if you notice improvements in your concentration, memory sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
Some of the adverse effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with a medical condition like high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or, in some instances, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants often suffer from weight loss and eating disorders. When the dose is too high, they can also develop the tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medicines are used for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of children and young people experience improvement in their symptoms with treatment. This is particularly the case for children who have teachers, parents or caregivers who be able to report improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of developing substance use disorders in later life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders in adolescence. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.