Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication can control ADHD symptoms but will not cure it. It may take time to find the right medication and dosage for your child or yourself. Communication with your doctor should be open and honest.
Stimulants
These medications are the first treatment for both children and adults with ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Stimulants
The most common medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. types of adhd medication Iam Psychiatry increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which affect the ability to focus, attention, and movement. About 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD notice improvement in their symptoms following the discovery of the right stimulant and dose.
As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates for kids and teens who have ADHD. Amphetamines are also prescribed, since they are more effective and have less negative side effects for adults. Stimulants alter two brain chemicals: norepinephrine, and dopamine. People with heart issues should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
The majority of children and adults who take stimulants will experience adverse effects. However, most of the time, these side effects go away after a few weeks, or less. If they don't, talk 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 the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They may become shy rigid, unfocused or inactive or exhibit obsessive-compulsive behavior. Some people can experience a worsening depression or anxiety. This is why it's crucial to talk to a mental health professional prior to starting stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can cause anxiety and a rise in blood pressure. They can also trigger stomachaches, headaches and a decrease in appetite. They also increase the risk of using substances. The stimulants aren't habit-forming in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD However, they can create addiction if they are misused or taken in high doses.
Non-stimulant drugs require longer to get started and don't last longer than stimulants, however they can increase attention and focus and reduce the impulsivity. These medications are mostly based on antidepressants and act on norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical. They can be prescribed as a single or together with stimulants. This is especially true when a person also suffers from depression, anxiety or ADHD.
Students suffering from ADHD who are treated with medication can achieve GPAs that are comparable to their peers if they adhere to good study habits. In fact, a recent study showed that, in a group of more than 90 college students suffering from ADHD those who took medication to control 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. Amphetamines have a higher potential for dependence and abuse than methylphenidates. But the newer, longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risks of abuse and dependence. Some people take with a long-acting drug taken once daily, with an immediate-release dose in the mid to late afternoon to limit fluctuations 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 medication class as well as the generic and brand names and the length of the action.