Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication can control ADHD symptoms, but it will not cure it. It could take some time to find the right dosage and medication for your child or yourself. Honest and open communication with your doctor is key.
Stimulants
These drugs are the first option for treating children and adults with ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, 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 affect the ability to focus, attention, and movement. Around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms following the discovery of the right stimulant drug and dosage.
Doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates (including atomoxetine, Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for kids and teens with ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines that are more efficient in adults and have less side consequences. The stimulants affect two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. Heart-related patients need to be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
Most children and adults taking stimulants will experience adverse effects. mouse click the following webpage of these side effects will go away within several days or weeks. If they don't disappear consult your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that performs better.
The most frequent side effects of stimulants include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They might become withdrawn rigid, numb or irritable, or they may show obsessive-compulsive behavior. adhd medications can experience a worsening 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 cause 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. They aren't habit-forming when they are in the low doses used to treat ADHD however, they could cause addiction if misused or taken in large doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and does not last as long as stimulants. However, they do improve focus and attention and reduce impulsivity. The majority of these medications are based on antidepressants, and they work by affecting the brain chemical norepinephrine. They are available as a single medication or as a combination with stimulants, especially when someone is suffering from anxiety and depression in addition to ADHD.
Students with ADHD treated with medication may achieve GPAs that are similar to their peers if they practice excellent study habits. In fact the results of a recent study revealed that, in a study of more than 90 college students suffering from ADHD, those who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved by an average of a letter grade.
Most medications for ADHD are classified into one of two drug classes: amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphétamines are more likely be abused and eventually become dependent than methylphenidates. The more recent, longer-acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin) and bupropion have less risk for misuse and dependency. Some people take an anti-depressant that acts long daily, with an immediate-release dose between 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 shows the class of medication, brand name, generic name, and length of the action.