Medication For Inattentive ADHD
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can make it difficult for adults to function on a day-to-day basis. They may have difficulty following instructions from their bosses or finish school assignments without becoming distracted.
ADHD is treated by taking medication. The medication works by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals to control symptoms.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain that aid people in thinking clearly and pay attention. They are prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, among other disorders. These medications can also cause negative side effects, such as headaches decreased appetite or sleeplessness. Full Survey and children who take stimulants could develop issues with their tics or affect their voice, face or hands.
Doctors should inquire about your child's past medical history prior to prescribing stimulants. They should also do basic screening, which includes a physical exam and a blood pressure check. They should also be looking for a history of heart disease, glaucoma, and drug or alcohol abuse. If your child has these issues, doctors will usually suggest other treatments before considering medications.
The most commonly prescribed stimulants for ADHD are amphetamines and methylphenidates. These medications are available in various forms. They can be taken as an immediate-release tablet (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times a day) or a modified-release tablet, or chewable liquids. Some people take them just every day, whereas others take them more often. Doctors can prescribe atomoxetine, (Strattera), or viloxazine (Qelbree), both of which are comparable to the methylphenidate drug but act differently in the human body.
After some time, the majority of people who take stimulants to treat ADHD feel better. However, the first few days or weeks of taking a new medication can bring on adverse effects such as anxiety or jitters, ringing of the ears, and changes in hearing and vision. These effects usually go away as the body becomes accustomed to the drug. If they don't go away the doctor could decide to reduce the dosage or switch you to a different medication.
The use of medication doesn't always treat all ADHD symptoms and some may have severe side effects. In our survey parents, the majority stated that medication was the most beneficial in improving their child's academic performance as well as behavior. But researchers have found that, although ADHD medications improve GPAs in an analysis of high school students, they don't completely compensate for poor studying habits.
Adults may also benefit from medication, but experts suggest behavioral therapy to manage the condition over the long run. Your GP may suggest that you or your child try other medications, such as the antidepressants atomoxetine, sertraline (Zoloft) or antianxiety medicines like bupropion (Wellbutrin). These medications can be used alone or in combination with stimulants to increase the effectiveness of they work.
Doctors should be able to monitor the reaction of your child or yourself to the medicine and discuss how it can best be used. Typically, they will want to see you within two weeks of beginning the medication, and then once a month after that. The frequency of your subsequent visits will depend on how you or your child is managing your symptoms as well as the efficacy of your medication. Your GP will also keep in mind any other medications that you or your child take because they could interfere with ADHD medications or cause harmful adverse effects. They will also be looking for signs of trouble like weight gain, loss of appetite, and low blood pressure.