15 Reasons You Must Love Medication For ADHD
Finding the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication helps many people with ADHD focus and pay attention. It also helps them control their impulses. Different medications affect people in different ways. It can take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication.
Methylphenidate medicines (Ritalin, Adderall, and other brands) increase the levels of dopamine in the brain and increase the ability to focus. These are the most popular ADHD medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of certain brain chemicals called catecholamines (dopamine and noradrenaline) [3*3*. This boosts their effects on concentration, energy, and overall mood which makes it easier for people suffering from ADHD to complete tasks. for beginners boost the capacity of a person to learn, and also reduce symptoms such as impulsivity or excessive activity. However, due to their potential for abuse, these medications are controlled tightly. In Australia only paediatricians or psychiatrists are permitted to prescribe them (GPs in certain circumstances). A thorough assessment is required before they are prescribed.
The most popular kind of stimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin). It is a stimulant that increases activity in parts of the brain involved in the control of attention and behaviour. It is available as immediate-release tablet that can be taken up to three times a day, or as extended-release tablets or patches (taken in the morning and slowly released throughout the day). Liquid forms of these drugs like Ritalin Ready-to-Swallow, may be used for kids who have difficulty swallowing pills. Daytrana Patch is a long-acting version of the medication that is used by children who forget their medication in the evening.
These medications help between 70-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD. They ease symptoms such as fidgeting, difficulty paying attention and interrupting other people. But they aren't able to cure the disorder and a person's ADHD symptoms will return when the medication is gone. It's important that you adhere to the dosage prescribed and don't stop taking it or change the dosage without your doctor's approval.
Most people do not experience any side effects however they are possible. If they do occur they usually occur within the first few weeks or days after starting the new medication or increasing the dosage. They could disappear on their own, or a doctor may decide to change the medication or decrease the dosage.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which regulates stimulant medications, classifies them as Schedule II drugs. This means that they are high-risk for abuse and dependency. When taken as prescribed they can help people with ADHD focus, complete their tasks and improve their social abilities. They can also help improve the lives of people who don't have ADHD.
It may take time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for a particular person especially if they have other medical conditions or take other medicines. It's important to tell your doctor about any medications you or your child is taking, including over-the-counter supplements and caffeinated drinks. This will help them monitor the effectiveness of the medication and look for any potentially dangerous or uncomfortable side effects. It is also essential to share information about any behavioural or emotional problems you or your child might be experiencing with a health care doctor. This will ensure that they receive the most benefit from their medication.