ADHD medications for adults and children: which are the best options? While each type of ADHD medication works for different people, there are several factors that affect which type of medication is most effective for you. First of all, your age, if you are a child, is a deciding factor in choosing the best ADHD medication. If you are an adult with ADHD, your doctor may prescribe medication in the form of Ritalin or Concert to be taken at night before bed.
ADHD medications for adults and children are classified as stimulants and non-stimulants, which are classified according to their effects on the brain and central nervous system. Stimulants like Adderall, Strattera, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine work by increasing the amount of dopamine in your brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for managing your mood and attention. Non-stimulants such as Strattera, Concerta, and Xenon act on the nerves, causing feelings of depression, irritability, and anxiety, and heighten feelings of happiness. Stimulant medications for ADHD can also help improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as improve concentration and memory. Non-stimulant ADHD medications improve behavior and concentration, but will not have the same effect as stimulants.
If your child has ADHD symptoms, stimulants may be prescribed to help him function more effectively at school and at home. Side effects of prescription ADHD stimulants include anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia, nervousness, nausea, and vomiting. In some rare cases, ADHD symptoms can lead to serious complications, so it is important for parents to discuss the risks and benefits of prescription ADHD medications with their pediatrician.
If you have tried Ritalin or Concerta for ADHD, you should be aware of the possible risks. Ritalin and Concerta work by blocking nerve cells responsible for sending messages to the brain and controlling your mood, but they also increase heart rate and blood pressure and can affect sexual development in children. If you have been taking stimulants for a long period of time, you may also be more at risk for depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, suicidal attempts, substance abuse and attempted suicide, and substance dependence.
Some parents are trying alternative treatments such as homeopathic remedies for ADHD. Homeopathic remedies combine herbs and vitamins to eliminate your child's symptoms without the use of medication. Herbs and vitamins such as Arsen iod, Tuberculinum, and Berberis vulgaris combine with other minerals and herbs to treat the chemical imbalance in the brain responsible for ADHD and to improve mood, concentration, focus, and memory. Some of these ingredients, such as arsene iodine, are available without a prescription and have minimal side effects.
As you research alternative treatments for ADHD, you should find out which ADHD medications have been effective for both adults and children, and which are best for you and your child. Although not FDA approved, natural remedies may have fewer or no side effects, so it's important to check with your doctor before trying to treat.
In conclusion, you may need to try several treatments before you find one that works for you and your child. You should discuss your options with your doctor and talk to other parents who are managing ADHD symptoms to understand what options you can try.
Remember, ADHD is treatable. It's up to you to decide what steps you need to take to make this happen
Many people have found a cure for ADHD by following a strict diet and exercise to keep their minds sharp. However, you cannot do it yourself.
If your symptoms seem incurable and you do not feel relief from your medication, see your doctor. He or she will prescribe medication for ADHD. Don't allow yourself to become addicted to these drugs and make your child's life miserable. Your job as a parent is to make him happy and healthy.
If you have questions about the medications your child is taking, talk to your doctor or ADHD specialist. To find an ADHD medication that is right for him or her, you must first learn as much as possible about ADHD.