ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also include them in treatments for depression or anxiety.
Children and teens who don't take their ADHD medication are often afflicted with more symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of taking their medical advice.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, such as dopamine or norepinephrine. This helps people focus better and lessens the tendency to be impulsive. Around 80percent of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dosage are less prone to ADHD symptoms.
FDA-approved stimulants include those in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug class. The FDA has approved them as first-line treatment for ADHD because of decades of research that have demonstrated high response rates, tolerability and minimal adverse effects across the lifespan. They aren't habit-forming, and there is little evidence to suggest that they cause an addiction disorder. However, if they are used in higher-than-prescribed amounts, or by people who don't have ADHD, they can lead to serious side effects and even cause brain changes.
The drugs are available in a variety of types or formulations. The most common form of stimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines and atomoxetine as well as amphetamines are available too.
Some long-acting versions of these drugs last for up to 16 hours and could decrease the need for a daily evening or afternoon dose. They can also help to avoid the rapid change in blood pressure and heart rate that could occur when taking shorter-acting stimulants. Some people who take these medications may have what is called a "crash" effect after they stop taking the medication, which usually results in a sharp decrease in energy and may be difficult to deal with.
These medications can also cause additional side effects like upset stomachs or appetite suppression, as well as sleep problems. They can also cause dry mouth, mood changes and sleep issues. In rare instances stimulants can cause tics to worsen. For instance that some adolescents and children who take ADHD medicine have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. They are usually minor and go away once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases ADHD medication can cause young people to be slower growing and shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to begin working but they don't produce the same sudden bursts energy and can improve concentration, focus and control over time. Since they aren't controlled substances, they are less likely be misused or cause substance abuse disorders. However, some might suffer a "crash" or rebound effect, when they suddenly stop using the drugs.
adhd anxiety medication to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and track the body's reactions to ensure that the patient is receiving the right dosage. This is particularly true in the case of a healthcare professional treating a comorbid disorder such as anxiety or depression. It is crucial that someone suffering from ADHD visits a psychiatrist regularly until they discover the best combination of medication and dosage. Talkiatry is an online psychiatry service that connects you with a doctor in a matter of days, can help you find an expert psychiatrist to assess your mental health. They can also help you decide if you should add ADHD medication.