Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but it won't cure the symptoms. It may take some time to find the dosage and medication that works best for your child or yourself. Your doctor's communication must be honest and open.
Stimulants
These medications are the initial treatment for both children and adults with ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed prescriptions by doctors to treat people suffering from ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which affect attention, focus, and movement. Around 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD experience improvement in their symptoms once they find the right stimulant and dose.
Doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates (including atomoxetine and Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for kids and teens suffering from ADHD. Amphetamines can also be prescribed, as they are more effective and have fewer adverse effects in adults. medication for adhd and anxiety work on two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. People with heart issues should be closely monitored if taking stimulants.
Most people, both adults and children, who use stimulants may experience some side effects. However, the majority of the time these side effects will go away within a few weeks or less. If they don't, speak to your doctor about changing the medication or looking for another one that works better for you or your child.
The most frequent side effects of stimulants include weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They might become withdrawn rigid, numb or irritable or exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Some people can experience a worsening depression or anxiety. This is why it's crucial to talk to a mental health professional prior to beginning stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can cause anxiety and an increase in blood pressure. They can also cause headaches, stomachaches and a loss of appetite. They also can lead to an increased risk of substance abuse. They aren't habit-forming when they are in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD however, they could be addictive if used in excessive doses.
Non-stimulant medication takes longer to work and does not last as long as stimulants. However, they do increase focus and concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. These medications are mostly built on antidepressants, and they work on norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical. They can be prescribed as a single or together with stimulants. This is especially relevant when a person suffers from depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students with ADHD who are treated with medication have found that they can earn GPAs that are comparable to their peers, provided they use good studies. In how to get adhd medication uk found that, in a study of more than 90 college students with ADHD, those who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved by an average of one letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two classes of drugs - methylphenidates or amphetamines. Amphétamines are more prone for abuse and dependency than methylphenidates. The newer, longer acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin) and bupropion are less prone for abuse and dependence. Some people add 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 outlines the class of medication, generic name, brand name and length of action.