Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help control ADHD symptoms but isn't a cure for it. It can take a while to determine the right dosage and medication that work best for you or your child. The communication with your doctor should be open and honest.
Stimulants
These medications are the initial treatment for children and adults with ADHD. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most popular medication healthcare professionals prescribe to help people with ADHD. These medications increase levels of chemical (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect attention, focus and movement. Around 70 to 80 percent of both adults and children with ADHD notice improvements in their symptoms after finding the correct stimulant drug and dose.
As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to teenagers and children with ADHD. Amphetamines are also prescribed, as they are more effective and have fewer side-effects in adults. The stimulants affect two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Heart patients should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
The majority of children and adults who take stimulants will experience side effects. However, most of the time, these side effects go away after a few weeks, or less. If they don't go away, speak to your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that works better.
Some of the most common side effects of stimulants include an increase in appetite, trouble sleeping and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They may become shy rigid, numb or irritable, or they may show obsessive-compulsive behavior. Some people can experience a worsening of anxiety or depression. This is why it's crucial to consult a mental health professional prior to beginning stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which may make people feel uneasy or anxious. They can also cause headaches, stomachaches and loss of appetite. They also increase the risk of using substances. Stimulants are not habit-forming in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD however, they could create addiction if they are misused or taken in large doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and does not last as much as stimulants. However, they do improve focus and attention and reduce impulsivity. A majority of these drugs are based on antidepressants and they affect the brain chemical norepinephrine. They are available as a standalone medication or in combination with stimulants, especially when the patient suffers from anxiety and depression in addition to ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students who suffer from ADHD who are treated with medication have found that they can earn GPAs comparable to those of their peers, provided they adhere to good habits of study. 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 improved their grades by an average of one letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two drug classes amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphétamines are more likely be misused and develop dependence than methylphenidates. The more recent, longer-acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin), and bupropion are less prone for misuse and dependency. Some people take a once-daily long-acting drug with an immediate-release dose in the afternoon to decrease their fluctuation in concentration. that guy for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). non prescription adhd medication following chart outlines the class of medication, brand name, generic name, and duration of action.