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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. These include dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, and dex, known by brands like Adderall and methylphenidate as well as Lisdexamfetamine. They are also known as Ritalin and Concerta. If stimulants are not effective or cause too many side effects, doctors can prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. These medications target norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. Medication The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which are essential for attention and thinking. Stimulants, which are the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD can be effective if taken according to the directions. Like all medications, stimulants may cause side effects. Doctors and patients work together to find the best dosage or combination of medications 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 they continue throughout adolescence and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe and could 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 ask parents and children about their symptoms and observe them in various environments. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must be able to demonstrate at least six symptoms that are present in more than one environment, and they must impair the child's functioning and development. 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 also prescribe non-stimulant drugs to treat ADHD such as atomoxetine and bupropion. These drugs don't perform as fast as stimulants however they can help reduce some of the disorder's bothersome adverse effects. People who suffer from ADHD typically have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or another disorder of the mood. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. Behavioral therapy, which can teach adults and children ways to manage their ADHD can assist in addressing these other problems. Research shows that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication can improve the quality of life of people and help reduce symptoms. Some teens and children aren't able to respond well to ADHD medication, and may require a different medication or a lower dose. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine the best treatment for adults and teens with ADHD. Behavioral therapy For certain people who are not able to handle behavior therapy, it may not require medication. For these people, a change in diet and lifestyle might help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they might be able to figure out ways to improve their organizational skills, such as placing important items in designated locations or using reminders and alarms. They can also make use of exercise and other activities that require physical activity to make energy available, instead of engaging in impulsive behavior. Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children with ADHD. It can help parents learn effective parenting skills, as well as ways to help their child deal with stress and other issues that can cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy can help children manage their emotions and build confidence in themselves, and also control their behavior at school. To determine the cause of ADHD, doctors discuss the individual's symptoms at length with the person and observe their behavior in different settings. They will review school records and questionnaires from family members, teachers and other people who know the person. They will also rule out any other health conditions and illnesses with similar symptoms. They will also use ADHD rating scales and perform an examination for medical reasons. The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are made to increase the brain activity in the regions of the brain which regulate attention. This includes the prefrontal cortex and basal Ganglia. There are also non-stimulant drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. These drugs are regarded as less effective but safer than stimulants. It can take an extended time to treat ADHD. It is essential that you see your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can cause problems with relationships, work and school. If left untreated, it can lead to depression, low self esteem and eating disorders, as well as a poor nutrition, and alcohol or drug dependence. It is also advisable to consult your doctor if you feel that a medication that was previously effective isn't performing the same way or is causing adverse effects. It's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking because some of them may interact with certain ADHD medications. Counseling If medication is used or not, counseling can help adults and children with ADHD cope with everyday problems that arise because of their disorder. Therapists can help them learn how to use calendars, date books and remember appointments. They can also set realistic goals. Counseling may also suggest strategies for improving relationships and decreasing conflicts. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the disorder, and help them develop abilities and attitudes or ways to interact with their children. Counseling can help patients of all ages organize their lives and improve their performance at work. They can learn strategies to stay focused on their tasks like breaking down large tasks into smaller steps that are easier to manage and learn to manage anger, anxiety, and frustration. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence, and control risky and impulsive behaviors. Many adults discover that other treatment options are helpful in addition to counseling. Stimulants may cause side effects like jitteriness or sleep disturbances. They should only be used in accordance with a prescription. People with ADHD should be honest with their doctors and let them know that they are experiencing difficulties with certain medications. The majority of doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, also known as MPH, to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain that affect the way we think and behave. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release versions. The longer-acting versions are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, and then wear off slowly. This reduces the “crash” caused by the drop in a drug's concentration. Certain non-stimulant drugs such as the antidepressant atomoxetine or bupropion, also can be effective for some adults with ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, and could be more beneficial for people who are not able to take them due to other health issues or serious adverse reactions. Many people with 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 are aware of how the medications could interact and they will monitor for any side consequences. Other treatment options There are many drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. They all aim to increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This increases the ability to concentrate and listen, and also improves memory. These medications include stimulants as well as nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Although stimulants are effective for many people, they may also cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious. Your doctor can help determine the best dose of medication that will meet your needs. They can also recommend alternative treatments that can lessen or eliminate the adverse effects. The two most common stimulants for ADHD include methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine. medications for adhd are sold under a variety of brand names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. These drugs are available as both short-acting and extended-release formulations. Short-acting drugs can last as long as 3-4 hours and are typically taken twice or three times a day. Extended-release medicines can last up to sixteen hours and are typically taken every day. Many adults choose to supplement their morning medication with a quick-acting dose in the afternoon or evening to bridge the gap between the two doses as the medication is fading. Stimulants can cause nausea and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people may also feel more anxious and stressed than normal. They can also make tics more severe or increase their frequency. In some adolescents and children they may cause some slight delays in growth, but it is only temporary and does not affect final height. They also can increase appetite and weight gain and they can cause an increase in blood cholesterol as well as other heart-related issues in some people. Some antidepressants are also sometimes utilized “off-label” to treat ADHD. The most popular is bupropion (Wellbutrin) which helps by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It may also be beneficial in the event that stimulants aren't working, if you can't tolerate them or are at risk of abusing them, or if you have a substance use disorder.