An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Adhd Treatment Without Medication
How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication
The use of medications can ease ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of an neurotransmitter known as norepinephrine within the brain.
Children suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed stimulants.
They are available in short- and long-acting dosages. The longer-acting ones are preferred because they last between 8 and 12 hours and should be taken only once a day. They also minimize the rebound effect, which is when symptoms return, usually more than before, as the medication wears off.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used type of prescription medicine that healthcare providers utilize to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. This helps you focus and pay attention.
The risk of experiencing side effects is high when stimulants are used for a long time. Talk to your doctor about the possible adverse effects that could be caused by these medications, including changes in mood, appetite and heart rate. Also, you should know how they affect your sleep.
If you are taking any stimulant medication for prolonged periods of time, you could be at risk of becoming addicted or abuse. Addiction is when you don't control your desire to take any drug, even if it has harmful side effects. Addiction may manifest as a need to take more than your doctor recommends or being dependent on the substance.
Other health issues that could be caused by the use of stimulant medications include suicidal ideas and depression. If you suspect that you or someone else you know might be taking these drugs to harm themselves or others, contact your local police or any other authorities right away.
Some of the most common stimulants used to treat ADHD are amphetamines and methylphenidate (brand-name medication Ritalin, Concerta or Dexamphetamine). Amphetamines are available in immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (intermediate-acting) tablets, capsules or liquids. They are usually taken one or twice per day.
The amphetamines with longer-acting effects perform better than their shorter-acting counterparts. They last from six to eight hours, and aid you in getting through the day without having to deal with "ups and downs."
Extended-release stimulants may be used with an immediate-release medication during the afternoon. This is a good option should you notice that your ADHD symptoms start to manifest late in the day , or if you experience an irritability as a result of the medication's effects fading earlier.
To help you fall asleep, a small dose of an effective stimulant that lasts for a long time can be taken prior to bedtime. It isn't recommended to take this medication on an empty stomach, since it could result in a loss of energy and can make you sleepy.
During the early phases of treatment, insomnia is an almost common side effect that occurs with stimulants. This can be reduced by not taking the medication before bedtime and getting enough sleep each night.
Anxiety is a common side effect of stimulants. It may be mild or serious and may lead to tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also cause a flare-up in an existing depression or bipolar disorder.
add medication adult in blood pressure and heart rate can also occur, although these effects are usually minor. Your doctor can prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure and improve the function of your heart when you start using stimulants for ADHD.
ADHD medication can also trigger insomnia. This issue can be cured when you are taking stimulants in combination with prescription sleep aids. Or if you use techniques for relaxation or meditation prior to going to bed.
