Find Out What Medication For ADHD Tricks Celebs Are Using
Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help manage ADHD symptoms however it isn't a cure for the symptoms. It may take some time to determine the right dosage and medication that work best for your child or you. The communication with your doctor must be honest and open.
Stimulants
These medications are the first option for treating children and adults with ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Stimulants
The most commonly prescribed medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of chemical (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. Around 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD notice improvement in their symptoms when they have found the right stimulant and dosage.
As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to kids and teens who have ADHD. They also may prescribe amphetamines, which are much more effective in adults and produce fewer side negative effects. Stimulants work on two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Heart patients should be closely monitored while taking stimulants.
The majority of children and adults who take stimulants will experience adverse effects. But most of the time the side effects go away within a few weeks or less. If they don't, speak to your doctor about changing the medication or finding another one that works better for you or your child.
The most frequent effects of stimulants are the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Certain people experience personality changes. Others can have a worsening of depression or anxiety, which is why it is crucial to talk to an expert in mental health before taking stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can make some people feel shaky or anxious. They can also trigger headaches, stomachaches and loss of appetite. They can also result in an increased risk of a substance abuse. In small doses stimulants used to treat ADHD are not habit-forming. However they can be addictive if misused or used in large doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to take effect and doesn't last as much as stimulants. However, they can increase focus and concentration and reduce the impulsivity. concerta adhd medication of these drugs 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 has anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Studies of academic performance among students with ADHD who are treated with medication have shown that they can earn GPAs that are comparable to their peers, if they follow a good set of habits of study. A recent study revealed that college students with ADHD who took medication to control symptoms improved their grades by an average of a letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications are classified into two drug classes - methylphenidates or amphetamines. Amphetamines have a higher potential for dependence and abuse than methylphenidates. But the newer, longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risk of misuse and dependence. Some people supplement a long-acting medication taken once every day 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 shows the class of medication, brand name, generic name and length of action.