Not every person with ADHD need medication. Still, most ADHD patients find that taking medication helps them focus for longer periods of time, hear better, and fidget less.
The teaching and practice of skills like organization, task management, and stress management can be aided by therapy. It takes time to acquire these skills through medical courses. On the other hand, it does help people maintain their focus while studying.
How Do ADHD Medications Operate?
Medication for ADHD improves focus by fostering the healthy operation of normal brain chemistry.
The medications specifically target the norepinephrine and dopamine systems in the brain. The ability to focus and pay attention is affected by certain drugs.
How Are ADHD Medication Tablets Taken?
People with ADHD may take a variety of drugs. All of them require a prescription and are often taken orally. They come in tablet form, which you may sprinkle over food, crush, or swallow. Tablets can be dissolved, chewed, or swallowed. Some are used as solutions or patches applied topically.
Individuals frequently take one or two ADHD drugs each day, depending on the prescription.
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Among these drugs are amphetamines, which are sold under the brand names Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse, and methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Daytrana.
A stimulant starts working as soon as it is consumed. Depending on the substance, they might endure for:
Short-acting formulations have a 3-6 hour shelf life.
Long half-lived formulas can stay in the body for up to 12 hours. They might be helpful if someone has a difficult day at school and requires the medicine to maintain concentrate for their work or extracurricular activities.
Absent stimulants
These drugs include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), clonidine (Kapvay), and viloxazine (Quelbree). The effects of non-stimulants might not show up for a few weeks. The remainder of the day is spent working.
Before writing a prescription, the medical staff will ask about any other medications you could be taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs and supplements (such vitamin or herb-based therapies). The care team will also be interested in your family’s medical history, especially if there are any family members who have had or are now experiencing heart disease.
Doctors usually advise starting with a small dose of a stimulant drug. In order to ensure that your ADHD medication is functioning as intended, the doctor will want you and your parent to keep an eye on any changes.
Different people are affected by drugs in different ways. If the previous medicine doesn’t seem to be helping, even at the greatest dosage, a doctor may switch to a different one. To achieve the best outcomes, some individuals with ADHD need to take multiple medications.
What More Am I Able To Do?
You and your parents should keep an eye out for any side effects if you start taking a new ADHD medication. Your doctor will adjust the amount and schedule based on how well your medication works and whether you have any negative effects.
You may need to visit your doctor several times over the course of a few weeks or months in order to determine the appropriate drug and dosage. After that, the care team will want to see you every three to six months.
Your attendance at all follow-up appointments is required so that the medical staff can take your height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. The medical team will also assess any side effects and adjust the dosage of the drug as necessary.
To prevent problems when using ADHD medication, always abide by these rules:
Eat the recommended quantity.
Observe the instructions found on every medication.
Before changing or stopping the medicine, see a doctor.
Every drug needs to be stored in a safe place and out of the reach of others.
Don’t ever offer your medicines to someone else.
Medication is one part of the ADHD treatment plan. Psychotherapy, family support, and educational support are additional therapies. Medication is most effective when parents, teachers, and therapists help you master any social, emotional, or behavioral skills that you struggle with due to ADHD.
Exist Any Dangers?
Medication for ADHD may have side effects, just like any other drug. But not everyone has unfavorable outcomes.
Loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping are the most common side effects. Other side effects of ADHD drugs include jitteriness, irritability, moodiness, headaches, stomachaches, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
Side effects usually manifest in the first few days of taking a new medicine or increasing the dosage. They often disappear on their own after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine.
A doctor may decide to alter the drug or lower the dosage rather than treating an undesired side effect. Because ADHD drugs only last in the body for a few hours, their side effects end as soon as they depart.
Further information on the possible adverse effects of the drug that your healthcare physician has prescribed will be sent to you. As soon as you notice something that worries you, tell your parent and get medical advice.
Adrenaline has a taste that not everyone finds appealing. That being said, the right drug can make a big difference. If you’re worried, speak with your doctor. Ask questions. You can talk to your healthcare practitioner about whether it makes sense for you and your parent to take an ADHD medication.