Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine, and Atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants like clonidine or guanfacine.
Stimulant medication should not be used in patients with active substance abuse issues, however they are an option for those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar medicines. The type prescribed will depend on a person's individual biochemistry and how well they react to the medication. It could take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to be apparent. The medicine will work if you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
Medications in this class can have adverse effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may raise heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, should not take these medications. These are highly controlled drugs that are prone to misuse. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in some circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets or patches that are placed on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they may also develop tics. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
About over at this website -80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of children and adolescents find that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially the case for children who have parents, teachers or caregivers who be able to report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk for drug use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk of developing substance use disorders in adolescence, but that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.