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ADHD medication generated more specialty literature than most of the other treatments in America,also because of its long-term usage. The safety of that kind of medication depends in great measure on the accurate activity of the physician,that should constantly supervise its patients and the evolution of the treatment proportional to the involution of the symptoms,following guidelines and monitoring each step.
From the effectiveness point of view,stimulants,the basic medication for ADHD proved themselves very efficient both on long and short term. Stimulants are also very useful in preventing drug use or abuse for the child they are administered to.
One of the main secondary effects generated by the stimulants is the increase of heart rate,together with that of blood pressure .In case of a heart condition,the risk of cardiovascular problems is greater in these who use stimulants.
In case of latent problems of psychiatric nature ,stimulants can bring the symptoms to surface. But this risk can be prevented by appropriate dosage.
Rarely,.stimulants can produce or accentuate states of irritability,or have a hallucinating effect on the patient,but these side effects stop with the administration .
The ways of monitoring safety and effectiveness
The special treatment of ADHD children includes an accurate analysis of the weight,height,pressure of the blood,or the heart rate. A physician can't foretell what the most appropriate dosage is,unless he takes into consideration these issues .There are only general ranges. In the beginning,the lower dose is administered,to further determine the necessary one. In case of serious side effects,the medication is stopped.
Contrary to what many parents may believe,it wouldn't be advisable to stop the child's ADHD medication “just in case” .Only the physician is in measure to tell whether the medicine seriously affects the child,and his advice must be taken into consideration.
A statement released by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended for the doctors proceed with current therapies and accurate exams,until new information is available.
Under what circumstances should you take yourself or your child off ADHD medications?
If in consultation with your doctor you determine that the medications either are not working or are causing side effects, then you need to make an appropriate medical decision with your physician's advice.
Is it advisable for an ADHD patient to decrease his own doses to prevent psychiatric or cardiovascular problems?
Most certainly,not,because the only one that is in title to establish the increase or decrease of the dosage is the doctor. He should be informed of the suspicion of these problems in one patient and decide what to do.
There are also consequences for stopping an effective ADHD treatment for both adults and children. The discontinuity of medication brings the symptoms of ADHD to surface. And it is of common knowledge now that emotional,social,intellectual or behavioral issues will re-appear. This is the purpose of the treatment :to prevent this to happen.
What are the alternatives to stimulants in dealing with ADHD?
Stimulants are certainly the most effective in the treatment of this disease. A change of sight,a trip,a travel can also have positive effects. The reinforcement of instruction and direction given to the child for a task may also help. But they are not to be used in case of severe symptoms.