adhd medication list - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people who suffer from ADHD to focus more effectively, be more calm and be less impatient. It is usually a combination of therapy and medication.
Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is one of the most commonly used medications for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost activity in areas of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention. They are often prescribed with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain. This helps you to concentrate and decreases the impact of certain impulses, such as ones that can trigger impulsive behavior. Children and adults tolerate stimulants well, however some may experience side effects like jitteriness and headaches.
There are many stimulant medications that include methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and Atomoxetine. The results from the largest meta-analysis of the network to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine is now approved in the UK and has an advantage over short-acting stimulants as it doesn't wear off during the daytime. It only requires one dose per day. Patients had the option of taking short-acting amphetamines three or four time a day. It was a challenge for patients to remember to take and could lead to poor adherence.
A thorough medical history is necessary to help determine whether a person with ADHD has any other health issues which could be contributing to their symptoms. For instance, a medical condition like sleep apnea or thyroid issues could cause your child to feel tired or having difficulty concentrating. It is also important to bring up any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, as excessive use of illegal prescription or over the counter drugs could have an impact on your child's ability of concentrating.
Many medical professionals recommend that children are medicated for ADHD to boost their school performance and make it possible for them to grow into happy, healthy adults. However, the decision to medicate children with ADHD is not taken lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and complex process. A lot of children will suffer from side effects such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety, but most of the time these can be overcome with a carefully monitored and gradual increases in dosage.
Some parents opt for private treatment, which involves an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist in order to start medication and track progress. This may involve five or more appointments and then fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child becomes used to the medication. Many families discover that NHS waiting lists are extremely long, while private healthcare provides a more streamlined approach to care. A detailed report on your child's development will be provided to your GP and they will perform the monitoring of the medication that has been prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some instances, you may require a visit to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP can perform regular reviews and checks.