Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, clonidine and gu.
Patients with active substance abuse issues shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those who are in stable remission might look into them. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. Both are similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the medicine. It may take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become evident. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep and a decrease in the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medication is working.
These medications can have side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and may raise blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, should not use these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only iampsychiatry or pediatricians or, in some instances general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of tablets or pills or patches that are placed on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. When the dose is excessive, they could also develop symptoms of tics. In this situation, the doctor will reduce the dose to stop the drug from causing more symptoms.
About 70-80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. A majority of children and young adults notice that their symptoms improve through treatment. This is particularly true for those who have parents, teachers or carers who report improvement.
Early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders during adolescence, however the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.