Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help manage ADHD symptoms but it's not a cure for the symptoms. It can take a while to find the medication and dosage that work best for your child or yourself. The communication with your doctor must be honest and open.
Stimulants
These drugs are the first treatment for adults and kids with ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication healthcare professionals prescribe to treat people suffering from ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which impact the ability to focus, attention and movement. About 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms following the discovery of the right stimulant and dosage.
Doctors typically prescribe methylphenidates (including Atomoxetine, Ritalin) as the first-line treatment option for children and teens with ADHD. Amphetamines can also be 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 conditions should be closely monitored while taking stimulants.
The majority of people, both adults and children, who use stimulants will experience some adverse effects. Most of the time, these adverse effects will subside within some days or weeks. If they don't, talk to your doctor about changing the medication or locating a different one that works better for you or your child.
Some of the most common effects of stimulants are an increase in appetite, trouble sleeping, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Some people develop personality changes. Others may experience a worsening of anxiety or depression. This is the reason it is essential to consult with an expert in mental health prior to starting stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants can create anxiety and a rise in blood pressure. They can also cause stomachaches, headaches, and loss of appetite. They also can lead to an increased risk of a substance abuse. In low doses stimulants used to treat ADHD are not habit-forming. However, they can be addictive if misused or taken at high doses.
inattentive adhd medication -stimulant medicines take longer to work and doesn't last as much as stimulants. However, they can increase focus and concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. A majority of these drugs are based on antidepressants, and they work by affecting the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants. This is particularly applicable when a person suffers from depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
Students with ADHD who are treated with medication can achieve GPAs that are in line with their peers if they follow 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 students who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms improved their grades by an average of one letter grade.
Most medications for ADHD are classified into one of two drug classes: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Amphétamines are more prone for abuse and dependency than methylphenidates. However, the more modern, longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risk of abuse and dependence. Some people supplement an anti-depressant that acts long every day with an immediate release dose in the mid to late afternoon to reduce 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 shows the class of medication, brand name, generic name, and length of the action.