Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help manage ADHD symptoms but it's not a cure for them. It could take some time to find the perfect dosage and medication for you or your child. Your doctor's communication should be open and honest.
Stimulants
These medications are the initial treatment for both children and adults with ADHD. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants
The most commonly prescribed medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which impact attention, focus, and movement. About 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD notice improvement in their symptoms after identifying the correct stimulant drug and dosage.
As a first-line treatment, doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to teenagers and children with ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines that are more effective for adults and cause less side negative effects. The stimulants affect two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. Heart patients should be closely monitored when taking stimulants.
The majority of people, both adults and children, who use stimulants will experience some side effects. The majority of these side effects will go away within some days or weeks. If they don't, consult your doctor about changing the medication or looking for another one that works better for you or your child.
The most frequent side effects of stimulants include an increase in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Some people experience changes in their personality. Others may experience a worsening of anxiety or depression. This is the reason it is essential to speak with an expert in mental health prior to taking stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can create anxiety and a rise in blood pressure. They can also trigger stomachaches, headaches and a loss of appetite. They can also result in an increased risk of addiction. In low doses stimulants used to treat ADHD do not create a habit. However, they can be addictive when misused or used in large doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and does not last as much as stimulants. However, they can improve focus and attention and decrease impulsivity. A majority of these drugs are based on antidepressants and they work by affecting the brain chemical norepinephrine. adhd medication can be prescribed as a single or together with stimulants. adhd medications is especially applicable when a person suffers from depression, anxiety or ADHD.
Students with ADHD treated with medication may achieve GPAs that are comparable to their peers if they follow good study habits. In fact, a recent study showed that, in a group of more than 90 college students with ADHD, those who used medication to manage their symptoms improved their grades by an average of one letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two classes of drugs amphetamines or methylphenidates. Amphétamines are more prone for dependence and abuse than methylphenidates. The newer, longer acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin) and bupropion have less risk for abuse and dependence. Some people supplement with a long-acting drug taken once daily, with an immediate-release dose during the mid to late afternoon to limit fluctuations in their concentration. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart lists the medication class, generic name, brand name, and duration of action.