Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help manage ADHD symptoms but it's not a cure for the symptoms. It can take some time to find the medication and dosage that work best for your child or yourself. Honest and open communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
These drugs are the initial treatment option for adults and children with ADHD. They boost levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most popular medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to help people with ADHD. These medications increase levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect attention, focus and movement. Around 70-80% children and adults with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms once they discover the right stimulant and dosage.
As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to children and teens with ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines, which are much more efficient in adults and have less adverse effects. Stimulants work on two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. People with heart issues must be closely monitored when taking stimulants.
Children and adults who are taking stimulants will experience side effects. Most of the time these side effects will go away within a few days or weeks. If they don't go away, speak to your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that performs better.
The most frequent effects of stimulants are a loss of appetite, sleeplessness and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Some people develop personality changes. Some people can experience a worsening anxiety or depression. This is why it's essential to speak with a mental health professional prior to introducing stimulant medications for ADHD.
adhd otc medication can create anxiety and increase blood pressure. They can also trigger stomachaches, headaches, and loss of appetite. They also increase the risk of substance abuse. They aren't habit-forming when they are in the small doses used to treat ADHD However, they can create addiction if they are misused or taken in high doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working and do not last as long as stimulants, however they can increase focus and attention, and also reduce the risk of impulsivity. The majority of these medications are based on antidepressants and they work by affecting the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed as a single or together with stimulants. This is especially applicable when a person has anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students with ADHD who are treated with medication have shown that they can achieve GPAs that are comparable to their peers, if they use good habits of study. In fact an earlier study found that, in a group of more than 90 college students with ADHD students who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved by an average of one letter grade.
The majority of drugs for ADHD fall into one of two drug classes: amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphétamines are more prone for abuse and dependency than methylphenidates. But the newer longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower dangers of abuse and dependence. Some people add with a long-acting drug taken once every day with an immediate release dose in the mid to late afternoon to minimize ups and downs 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 outlines the class of medication names, generic names, brand names, and length of action.