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ADHD Medications and Treatments The primary drugs used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration and control of impulses. Adderall and dextroamphetamine are two examples, as well as methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and Ritalin which are also known by their brand names. If stimulants are not effective or cause too many adverse side adverse effects, doctors might prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin. These medications target norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. Medication The brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine are essential in focusing and thinking. The stimulants are the most frequently used drugs for ADHD and are beneficial if they are used as directed. Like all medications, stimulants may cause side effects. Doctors and patients collaborate to find the best dose or combination of medication to minimize side effects. Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. For children, the symptoms typically begin before the age of 12, and continue through the adolescent period and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe and may be different for girls and boys. Boys and children assigned male at birth (AMAB) tend to show more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, but the same behaviors can occur in girls and women. A medical professional can identify ADHD in children or teens by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will discuss with the child and their parents about their symptoms, and they will observe them in various settings. A child should exhibit at least six symptoms in two or more different environments and the symptoms must hinder the child's development and functioning. The signs must have been present before the age of 12 years old. Most kids who have ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall or the methylphenidate (the drug in Ritalin). Doctors can also prescribe non-stimulant drugs to treat ADHD such as atomoxetine and bupropion. These medications don't work as fast as stimulants but they can lessen some of the ADHD's unpleasant side effects. ADHD is often linked to other psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders or depression. They are also more likely to develop disorders of substance use. These other problems can be treated with behavioral therapy which teaches children as well as adults how to better cope with ADHD. Research shows that the combination of therapy for behavior and medication can improve the quality of life people and help reduce symptoms. Some teens and kids aren't able to respond to the medications available for ADHD, so they may require a lower dose or a different type of medicine. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine the best treatment options for adults and adolescents with ADHD. Behavioral therapy Certain people may not require medication to benefit from behavior therapy. A alteration in diet or lifestyle could help them lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They may also be able to improve their organizational skills by using reminders or alarms or by keeping important items in designated locations. Exercise and other activities that require physical activity can be used to help channel energy instead of acting in impulsive ways. Behavioral therapy can be especially beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can teach parents how to be better parents and also help their child overcome stress or other issues that could cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children learn how to control their emotions, develop positive self-esteem and manage their behavior at school. To diagnose ADHD, doctors discuss the symptoms of the patient in detail with the person and observe the person's behavior in various environments. They will also review the school records as well as questionnaires from family members and teachers, and other information about the individual. They will also rule other health conditions and illnesses that have similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and utilize ADHD rating scales. The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are designed to increase the brain activity in the regions of the brain that control attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and basal Ganglia. There are also non-stimulant medicines that can be used to treat ADHD. These are generally considered less effective, however they are less harmful than stimulants. For those with ADHD, treatment can be a long process, and it's important to see a medical provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with work, school, and relationships. If not treated, it can lead to depression, low self-esteem, trouble with food and poor eating habits, and addiction to alcohol or drugs. It is also essential to speak with your doctor if you discover that a medicine that was once effective does not have the same effect or results in side negative effects. It's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as some may interact with certain ADHD medications. Counseling Counseling can assist children and adults with ADHD to deal with the issues they face each day. Counselors can teach them how to keep track of appointments, utilize calendars and date books, and set realistic goals for themselves. Counseling can also provide strategies to improve relationships and decreasing conflicts. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the condition and assist them in developing new abilities, attitudes, and ways of communicating with their children. Counseling can assist patients in their efforts to organize their lives and improve the performance of their jobs. They can learn to stay focused on their work by breaking up large projects into smaller pieces that are easier to manage and learn strategies for dealing to deal with anger, frustration and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults build confidence, and control the risky and impulsive behavior. Many adults find that other treatment options are useful in addition to counseling. The stimulants can cause side effects such as jitteriness and sleep disturbances. They must be taken only according to prescription. People suffering from ADHD should be honest with their physicians and inform them that they are experiencing difficulties with certain medications. The majority of doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, or MPH to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which affect attention and behavior. This drug is available in immediate-release as well as extended-release versions. The longer-acting ones build up slowly in the bloodstream, and then wear off slowly, which minimizes a “crash” effect caused when the drug's level drops. Certain non-stimulant drugs, such as bupropion or atomoxetine, which is an antidepressant, also can be effective for some adults with ADHD. They are slower to work than stimulants, and could be more beneficial for people who are not able to take them due to health issues or serious side effects. Many people with ADHD may also suffer from anxiety or depression. In these cases doctors will prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication, along with the ADHD medications. They will consider how the drugs could interact or conflict with one another, and they will look for signs of potentially harmful adverse effects. Other treatment options There are many medications that may be used to treat ADHD. Each of them is designed to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This aids in focusing better and improves their ability to listen and remember. These medications include stimulants as well as nonstimulants. adhd medication for adults are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Although stimulants are effective for many people, they may also cause side negative effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe. Your doctor can help determine the right dosage of medication to meet your needs. They may also suggest other treatments that can minimize or eliminate side effects. The two most popular types of stimulants for ADHD are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs are sold under several brand names that include Ritalin and Adderall. They are available as extended-release and short-acting preparations. Short-acting medications can last for up to 3-4 hrs and are usually taken twice or three times per day. Extended-release preparations are usually taken daily and can last as long as 16 hours. Many people supplement an extended-release morning medication by taking a dose shorter-acting in the late afternoon or evening to fill the gap between the medicine wearing off and the next dose. Stimulants can cause nausea and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also make some people feel more stressed and angry than they normally do. They can also make tics more severe or increase their frequency. In certain children and adolescents, they can cause a slight delay in growth, however it is only temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, and they can cause an increase in blood cholesterol and other heart issues in certain people. Certain antidepressants can also be utilized “off-label” to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most frequently used drug. It works by increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It can be particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It can also be useful if stimulants don't work or if you're unable to take them or are at risk of abusing them or if you suffer from an addiction to drugs.