Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but it isn't a cure for it. It may take time to find the right medication and dosage for your child or yourself. Communication that is honest and open with your doctor is key.
Stimulants
These medications are the first treatment for adults and kids with ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most popular prescriptions by doctors to help people with ADHD. These medications increase levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. Around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms after identifying the right stimulant drug and dosage.
Doctors typically prescribe methylphenidates (including atomoxetine and Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for children and teens suffering from ADHD. Amphetamines are also prescribed because they are more effective and have less negative side effects for adults. get redirected here work on two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. Heart patients should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
Many children and adults who take stimulants will experience some adverse effects. The majority of these adverse effects will subside within a few days or weeks. If they don't go away talk to your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that works better.
The most frequent effects of stimulants are a loss of appetite, sleeplessness and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They may become more withdrawn, listless or rigid, or they may show obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Some may experience an increase in anxiety or depression. This is why it is important to talk to a mental health professional before starting stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause people feel uneasy or anxious. They can also cause headaches, stomachaches and a loss of appetite. They also increase the likelihood of addiction. In low doses, stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't habit-forming. However, they can be addictive when misused or in high doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working and do not last as long as stimulants, but they can improve attention and focus and reduce the impulsivity. They are primarily based on antidepressants and act on norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. They can be prescribed as a single medication or in combination with stimulants, particularly when someone is suffering from depression and anxiety in addition to ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students who suffer from ADHD who are treated with medication have shown that they can achieve GPAs comparable to those of their peers, if they adhere to good study habits. A recent study showed that college students with ADHD who were treated with medication to manage their symptoms improved their grades by a letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two classes of drugs - methylphenidates or amphetamines. Amphétamines are more likely be abused and become dependent than methylphenidates. However, the more recent, longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risks of dependence and misuse. Some people take a daily long-acting drug that has an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon to decrease 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 outlines the medication class names, generic names, brand names, and the duration of action.