Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication can control ADHD symptoms, but they won't cure it. It may take some time to determine the right dosage and medication that work best 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 with ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed prescriptions by doctors to help people with ADHD. 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 improvements in their symptoms after finding the correct stimulant drug and dosage.
Doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates (including Atomoxetine, Ritalin) as the first-line treatment option for children and teens suffering from ADHD. Amphetamines are also prescribed, because they are more effective and have less side-effects in adults. Stimulants work on two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Heart patients should be closely monitored when taking stimulants.
Children and adults who are taking stimulants will experience adverse effects. Most of the time these side effects will go away within a few days or weeks. 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 common stimulant-related side effects are the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and having trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They may become more withdrawn rigid, unfocused or inactive or exhibit obsessive-compulsive behavior. Some people experience worsening of anxiety or depression. This is why it's essential to consult an expert in mental health prior to introducing stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can make people feel uneasy or anxious. They can also trigger headaches, stomachaches and a loss of appetite. They can also increase the risk of substance abuse. The stimulants aren't habit-forming in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD However, they can be addictive if misused or taken in large doses.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to take effect and doesn't last as much as stimulants. However, they can improve focus and attention and reduce impulsivity. The majority of these medications are based on antidepressants, and they affect the brain chemical norepinephrine. adhd sleep medication can be prescribed as a stand-alone medication or as a combination with stimulants, especially when someone is suffering from anxiety and depression in addition to ADHD.
Studies of academic performance among students who suffer from ADHD who are treated with medication have found that they can attain GPAs comparable to those of their peers, provided they adhere to good study habits. In fact the results of a recent study revealed that in a group of more than 90 college students who had ADHD those who used medication to manage their symptoms saw their grades improve by an average of one letter grade.
Most medications for ADHD are classified into one of two classes: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Amphetamines are more likely to be misused and develop dependence than methylphenidates. However, the more recent longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower dangers of abuse and dependence. Some people take a single dose of a long-acting drug with an immediate-release dosage in the late afternoon to lower their fluctuation in 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 class of medication, generic name, brand names, and the duration of the action.