Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulant medications can cause side effects like an upset stomach, tics or minor growth delays. They can also affect the heart rate and blood pressure.
It is crucial to consult a doctor to find the appropriate dose. This may require a process of trial and error that can last for weeks or months. Always follow the directions on the label of the medication for age and weight.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They aid people in focusing on their thoughts and ignore distracting stimuli. They have been used to treat ADHD for many years. They are among the most frequently prescribed medications to control symptoms of the condition for both adults and children. The Food and Drug Administration has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants. They are available in tablet or liquid form and can be taken as a short-acting medication an intermediate-acting medication or a long-acting drug. adhd otc medication with ADHD typically need to experiment with different medications and doses to find the right ones for them.
The medicines have been proven to improve the core symptoms of ADHD, impulsivity and hyperarousal in 70-80% of people who take these medications. These medications also assist with other problems like poor control of one's self or having trouble staying on task at work or school. In some cases, people might notice that their symptoms improve right away. Some individuals may have to take the medication for a few months before feeling its effects. People taking stimulants must be cautious not to overdose on them, and must stay clear of alcohol, recreational drugs, and nicotine.
Side effects of stimulants are more likely to happen in the first few days or weeks following beginning a new medication or increasing the dosage. The majority of the side effects will go away once your body gets used to the medication, or when the dose is increased. If they do not go away, talk to your doctor.
Non-stimulant medicines require longer to kick in and their effects can last up to 24 hours. They are generally easier to take since they don't trigger a rapid rise in blood pressure or heart rate. They are less likely to be abused and don't have as big of an impact on the long-term brain development of young children as stimulants do.
Teenagers and children are the primary recipients of these treatments since their brains are developing. Adults may not consider them as effective, however they can still be useful in the event that other treatments don't work.
These medicines are tightly controlled due to their potential for abuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians and psychologists are able to prescribe them, and they must undergo a lengthy evaluation process. They are often paired with behavioral therapy which assists people in learning techniques to manage their symptoms. These skills include learning how to set goals, track progress, and fix problems when things go wrong.