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ADHD Medications and Treatments Stimulants are the main medications used to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration and control impulses. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, known by brands like Adderall and methylphenidate, as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta. If stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects, doctors can prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. These drugs target norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Medication Drugs affect brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are vital for thinking and attention. The stimulants are the most frequently used medications for ADHD and can be beneficial if they are used according to the directions. However, like all medications stimulants can cause side effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the best dosage or combination of medications to minimize those side effects. Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. The signs usually start prior to the age of 12, and progress through adolescence and sometimes into adulthood. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe, and they may differ between boys and girls. 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 doctor can pinpoint ADHD in children or teens by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will discuss with the parents and children about their symptoms, and they will observe them in different environments. A child must show at least six symptoms in two or more different environments, and these symptoms must interfere with the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have manifested before the child reached 12. The majority of children suffering from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Doctors can prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall or methylphenidate (the drug found in Ritalin). Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or bupropion to treat ADHD. These medications don't work as quickly as stimulants however they can lessen some of the disorder's unpleasant side effects. People with ADHD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or another mood problem. They are also more likely to develop disorders of substance use. These issues can be addressed with behavioral therapy which teaches children as well as adults how to better cope with ADHD. Research has demonstrated that treatment using both behavioral therapy and medication can improve a person's level of living and reduce symptoms. Some teens and children do not respond well to ADHD medications, so they might need a different medication or a lower dose. Clinical trials are being conducted to determine the most effective treatment option for adults and teenagers with ADHD. Behavioral therapy For some who are not able to handle behavior therapy, it might not require medication. For these individuals it is possible to make changes to their diet and lifestyle can help ease symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they might be able to find ways to improve their organization skills, such as keeping important items in specific areas or using reminders or alarms. They can also utilize exercise and other activities that require physical movement to channel energy, rather than being impulsive. Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children who suffer from ADHD. It can teach parents effective parenting techniques as well as strategies to help their child cope with stress and other problems that might cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to manage their emotions, build positive self-esteem, and manage their behavior at school. In order to diagnose ADHD doctors will discuss the individual's symptoms at length with him or her, and observe their behavior in various settings. They will also examine school records and questionnaires from relatives and teachers, and other details about the individual. They will also look for other health conditions and illnesses that exhibit similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales. The most common medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants, which are designed to increase brain activity in areas that control attention. This includes the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. There are many non-stimulant medicines that are used to treat ADHD, as well. These are generally considered less effective, but they are safer than stimulants. It can take some time to treat ADHD. It is crucial to visit your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships, work and school. If it is not treated it could lead to depression and low self-esteem, problems with food and poor eating habits, and addiction to alcohol or drugs. It is also advisable to consult your doctor if a medication that was previously effective isn't producing the same results or is causing adverse effects. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as some may interact with certain ADHD medications. Counseling Whether or not medication is utilized or not, counseling can assist adults and children with ADHD overcome the daily challenges that result from their disorder. Counselors can teach them how to remember appointments, use calendars and date books and set realistic goals for themselves. Counseling can also provide ways to improve relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the disorder, and assist them in developing abilities and attitudes or ways to communicate with their children. Counseling can help patients of all ages organize their lives and improve the performance of their jobs. They can learn strategies to remain focused on tasks by breaking large projects down into smaller, more manageable steps and learn to manage anger, anxiety, and frustration. Psychotherapy can assist adults in gaining confidence and control their impulsive and risk-taking behavior. In addition to counseling, many adults find it helpful to explore other treatment options. The stimulants can cause negative effects on the body, such as insomnia and jitteriness, so they should only be taken as prescribed. People with ADHD should be honest with their health care providers and let them know whether they're having difficulty taking certain medications. Most doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, also known as MPH to treat ADHD. This drug increases the amount of neurotransmitters that influence attention and behaviour in the brain. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release versions. The longer-acting versions build up slowly in the bloodstream and fade slowly, which minimizes a “crash” result that can occur when the drug's level decreases. Some nonstimulant drugs like the antidepressant atomoxetine or bupropion, also can be beneficial for certain adults suffering from ADHD. They are slower to work than stimulants and could be a better option for those who cannot take them because of other health issues or serious side effects. Many people who suffer from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety or depression. In these instances, doctors will prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication, along with the ADHD medications. They will consider how the medications could interact or clash with each other, and they will look for signs of troubling side 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 brains. This helps people focus better and improves their ability to concentrate and remember. These medications include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They are effective for a variety of people, but they may cause side effects. Some of these side-effects can be serious. Your doctor can help you determine the right dosage of medication to meet your needs. They may also suggest alternative treatments that may reduce or eliminate adverse effects. The two most common stimulants for ADHD include methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are sold under many brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in short-acting and extended-release preparations. Short-acting drugs can last up to 3-4 hours, and are usually taken twice or three times per day. Extended-release medications can last for up to 16 hours and are typically taken every day. Many adults opt to supplement an extended-release morning medication with a quick-acting dose in late evening or in the afternoon to bridge the gap after the medicine is fading. add medication adults can cause an upset stomach as well as changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people may feel more irritable and anxious than normal. They may cause tics to become more frequent or more severe. They can also cause a slight growth delay in some adolescents and children, however it is only temporary and does not alter the final height. They can also lead to weight growth and increase appetite. They can also trigger an increase in blood cholesterol levels in some people. Certain antidepressants are also employed “off-label” to treat ADHD. The most popular is bupropion (Wellbutrin) which helps by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It may also be beneficial when stimulants don't work or if you're unable to take them or are at risk of using them or if you suffer from an addiction to drugs.