Treatment For ADHD
Stimulant medications should not be used in patients who have active substance abuse problems but they can be considered in those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option. Stimulants Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each individual and how they respond to it. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become visible. The medication will be effective if you notice improvements in your concentration, memory sleep, impulsivity, and sleep. These medications can cause side effects, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with a medical condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease, shouldn't take them. These are highly controlled drugs with the potential for abuse. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists or in certain cases, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills or patches that go on the skin, or liquids. Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants often suffer from weight loss and appetite problems. They can also develop symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms. Early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders in later life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk for substance use disorders in adolescence, but the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood. |