Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for add. These medications include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.
treating adult add of stimulants should not be used in patients with active substance abuse problems but they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They can 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 could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication become visible. The medicine will be effective for you if you notice improvement in your concentration, memory, sleep, and impulsivity.
The medicines in this class may have side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and may raise heart rate and blood pressure. Some people with a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them. They are controlled substances with the potential for abuse. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians 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 in liquids.
Children and adolescents who use stimulants are often affected by weight loss and a lack of appetite. When the dose is excessive, they could also develop tics. If this happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
About 70-80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. A majority of children and young adults experience improvement in their symptoms with treatment. This is especially relevant for children who have parents, teachers or other caregivers who report improvement.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during the adolescent period. However this protective effect fades as we enter early adulthood.