ADHD Medications 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat ADHD symptoms. They can also be used in the treatment of depression or anxiety.
Teens and children who don't take their ADHD medications typically have more severe symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of taking the advice of their doctor.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in adults and children is stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This aids in concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. About 80% of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dose have fewer ADHD symptoms.
The stimulants approved by FDA are those belonging to amphetamine and methylphenidate drug class. The FDA has approved them as first-line treatment for ADHD because of decades of research which have proven their effectiveness in response rates, safety, tolerability and low adverse reactions across the lifespan. They are non-habit forming and there is little evidence to suggest that they cause an addiction disorder. However, if they are used in higher-than-prescribed amounts, or by people who don't have ADHD, they can lead to serious side effects and even cause brain changes.
They are available in a variety of types or formulations. The most common form of stimulant prescribed to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines and atomoxetine as well as amphetamines are also available.
Some of the long-acting versions medications last up to 16 hours and could decrease the requirement for an afternoon or evening dose. medication for adhd can help prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that may be experienced when taking stimulants with shorter durations of action. Certain people who are taking these medications may have what's known as a "crash" effect when they stop the medication, which typically involves a very sharp decrease in energy and is difficult to deal with.
Taking these medications can cause additional side effects, including nausea suppression, stomach upset sleep issues, dry mouth and some mood changes. In rare cases, stimulants can cause tics that get worse. Children and adolescents who are taking ADHD medication experience increased eye blinking, or throat clearing. These are usually not severe and disappear once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare instances ADHD medication can cause children to grow slower and be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working but they don't produce the same sudden bursts of energy, and can help improve concentration, focus and control over time. Because they're not controlled substances they are less likely be misused or lead to substance abuse disorders. However, some individuals may experience a "crash", or rebound effect, if they suddenly stop taking them.
Due to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and monitor the body's reactions to ensure a person is getting the correct dose. This is especially true if they are treating a comorbid condition such as depression or anxiety. It is essential for people suffering from ADHD to visit a psychiatrist on a regular basis until they find the right combination of medications and dosage. Talkiatry, an online psychiatry service that matches you with a doctor in a matter of days and can assist you in finding a psychiatrist to evaluate your mental health. They can also help you decide whether you should take ADHD medication.