Let's learn about ADHD medication.

Has the doctor told you that you have ADHD ( attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)? Or has your child? So, when you are told that you need to start medication for this, it is normal to feel a little scared and have a lot of questions. Things like 'Do I really need this medication?', 'Will there be side effects?', 'Will I be addicted to this?' are probably on your mind. Don't worry. Today, we will talk about the medication given for ADHD in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.

How do ADHD medications work?

Simply put, our brains have chemicals that help us move information back and forth and communicate with each other. We call these neurotransmitters . People with ADHD may have a slight imbalance of these chemical messengers, especially dopamine and norepinephrine .

ADHD medications mainly work by balancing the levels of these chemicals in the brain. This can help you:

• It becomes easier to focus and get work done.
• Impulsivity is controlled.
• Hyperactivity decreases.
• It becomes easier to control emotions .

What are the main medications for ADHD?

The medications that doctors use to treat ADHD can be divided into three main categories.

More than one treatment...

Often, the best results are not achieved with medication alone. It is achieved by combining medication with behavioral therapy , counseling, and lifestyle changes . We call this multimodal treatment.

Stimulants - the most commonly used type of medication

This class of drugs is the most widely used to treat ADHD worldwide. They fall into two main categories: Methylphenidates and Amphetamines . They work by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain that help with attention.

This medicine is also divided into two parts based on the time it takes to work.

1. Short-acting medications : These start working within 30-45 minutes of taking them and last for about 3-4 hours. They need to be taken two or three times a day.

2. Long-acting medications: These last for 8-12 hours, sometimes up to 16 hours, after a single dose. They only need to be taken once a day. Doctors often recommend this type because people with ADHD may forget to take their medication.

Who may not be suitable for stimulants?

If you have any of the following health problems, your doctor may not recommend this medication. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about these.

• Heart disease or any weakness in the heart
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Hyperthyroidism
• Glaucoma condition
• Severe anxiety
• A history of drug or alcohol addiction
• Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa

Side effects of stimulants

Most of the time, these side effects only occur when you first start taking the medication. They go away as your body gets used to the medication.

• Appetite: A common occurrence.
• Weight loss: This may be due to loss of appetite.
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances: Especially if you take the medication late in the day.
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach discomfort
• Slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure
• Mood swings, irritability
• "Rebound effect" - When the drug wears off, fatigue, irritability, and irritability may increase for a while.

If this continues, talk to your doctor immediately . He or she may be able to change the dosage, change the time of day you take the medicine, or switch you to another medicine.

Non-stimulants - Another option

Some people don't get the results they want from stimulants, or the side effects are too much to bear. In such cases, your doctor may recommend a class of medications called non-stimulants.

The main drugs in this group are Atomoxetine , Viloxazine , Guanfacine , and Clonidine . They do not carry the same risk of addiction as stimulants, so they may be more suitable for people with a history of drug addiction.

Side effects of non-stimulants

• Stomach ache, nausea
• Headache and dizziness
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Mood swings
• Appetite (less than stimulants)

It is not a good idea to stop taking Guanfacine and Clonidine suddenly, as it can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure. Therefore, if you do stop taking them, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dosage.

Things to consider before starting medication

1. It's not a cure, it's a management: ADHD medication doesn't completely cure your condition. It just controls the symptoms for as long as you take the medication. If you stop taking the medication, the symptoms can come back. That means it may be something you need for life.

2. May interact with other medications: If you are taking medication for any other condition (such as blood pressure, diabetes), be sure to tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medications you are taking. For example, some cold medications can cause restlessness when taken with ADHD stimulant medications.

3. Caffeine and supplements: Tell your doctor if you drink coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages, or if you take any vitamins or supplements.

4. Risk of addiction and misuse:

However, there is a tendency for people without ADHD to misuse these medications to study for exams or lose weight. This is very dangerous. Therefore, if you are giving your child medication, keep the medication safe and check to see if your child is sharing it with others.

What to do in an emergency?

If you experience any serious side effects after taking the medicine, for example chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe agitation or confusion, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . If you suspect an overdose, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

ADHD, ADHD medication, stimulants, non-stimulants, Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine, mental health