Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medicines can manage ADHD symptoms, but they isn't a cure for it. It could take some time to find the perfect dosage and medication for your child or yourself. Communication that is honest and open with your doctor is crucial.
Stimulants
These drugs are the initial line of treatment for children and adults suffering from ADHD. They increase the levels neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect attention, focus and movement. Around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms following the discovery of the correct stimulant drug and dosage.
As a first-line treatment, doctors typically prescribe methylphenidates to teenagers and children with ADHD. Amphetamines are also prescribed, because they are more effective and have less side-effects in adults. Stimulants affect two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. People with heart issues should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
The majority of adults and children who take stimulants will experience some side effects. However, most times the side effects disappear within a few weeks or less. If they don't, speak to your doctor about changing the medication or finding another one that works better for you or your child.
The most commonly reported stimulant side effects include weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and trouble staying awake. medication for adhd and anxiety develop personality changes. They might become withdrawn rigid, numb or irritable or display obsessive-compulsive behavior. Some people experience worsening of anxiety or depression. This is why it's essential to speak with an expert in mental health prior to starting stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can cause anxiety and an increase in blood pressure. They can also cause headaches, stomachaches and a decrease in appetite. They also increase the likelihood of addiction. The stimulants aren't habit-forming in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD, but they can be addictive if used in excessive doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working and do not last longer than stimulants, however they can increase attention and focus and reduce impulsivity. A majority of these drugs are based on antidepressants, and they act on the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants. This is especially applicable when a person has anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Students with ADHD treated with medication may achieve GPAs that are similar to their peers if they follow excellent study habits. A recent study found that college students with ADHD who were treated with medication to control symptoms improved their grades by an average of a letter grade.
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD are classified into one of two classes: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Amphetamines have more potential for abuse and dependency than methylphenidates. But the newer longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risk of abuse and dependence. Some people take a daily long-acting drug that has an immediate-release dosage in the late afternoon to decrease their fluctuations in 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 medication class as well as the generic and brand names, and the duration of the action.