Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but it won't cure the symptoms. It may take time to find the right medication and dosage for you or your child. The communication with your doctor must be honest and open.
Stimulants
These drugs are the first treatment for children and adults with ADHD. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common medication healthcare professionals prescribe to treat people suffering from ADHD. They increase the levels of chemical (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect attention, focus and movement. Around 70-80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD see improvement in their symptoms once they discover the right stimulant and dose.
As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates for teenagers and children with ADHD. They also may prescribe amphetamines, which are more effective in adults and produce fewer side negative effects. Stimulants affect two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. non stimulant adhd medication with heart issues should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
Most adults and children who take stimulants will experience some adverse effects. However, most of the time these side effects will disappear after a few weeks or less. If they don't, talk to your doctor about changing the medication or finding a different 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, listless or rigid or display obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Others can have an increase in depression or anxiety, which is why it is crucial to speak with an expert in mental health before starting stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants can trigger anxiety and increase blood pressure. They can also trigger stomachaches, headaches and a decrease in 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 they are misused or in high doses.
adhd otc medication -stimulant medication takes longer to take effect and doesn't last as much as stimulants. However, they can improve focus and attention and decrease the impulsivity. Most of these medications are based on antidepressants and they act on the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants. This is particularly true when a person also suffers from depression, anxiety or ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students with ADHD who are treated with medication have found that they can attain GPAs that are comparable to their peers, if they adhere to good habits of study. In fact an earlier study found that in a group of more than 90 college students with ADHD those who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms improved their grades by an average of a letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two drug classes amphetamines and methylphenidates. adhd medication list are more likely be abused and become dependent than methylphenidates. The newer, longer acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin), and bupropion have less risk for misuse and dependency. Some people take a once-daily long-acting drug that has an immediate-release dose in the afternoon to decrease their concentration fluctuations. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart lists the class of medication, brand name, generic name, and duration of action.