Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help control ADHD symptoms but won't cure it. It can take time to find the perfect medication and dosage for you or your child. Open and honest communication with your doctor is key.
Stimulants
These medications are the initial treatment for both children and adults with ADHD. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to help people with ADHD. They increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. Around 70-80% children and adults with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms after they find the right stimulant and dose.
As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates for children and teens with ADHD. treating adhd without medication are also prescribed, as they are more effective and have fewer side-effects in adults. The stimulants affect two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. Heart-related problems sufferers should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
Many people, both adults and children, who use stimulants may experience some side effects. However, most of the time, these side effects go away after a few weeks or less. If they don't, speak to your doctor about changing the medication or finding an alternative that is better for you or your child.
Some of the most frequent side effects of stimulants include an increase in appetite, difficulty sleeping and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Some people develop personality changes. Some people can experience a worsening anxiety or depression. This is why it's essential to speak with a mental health professional prior to beginning stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can create anxiety and increase blood pressure. They can also trigger stomachaches, headaches and a loss of appetite. They also increase the likelihood of addiction. In small doses, stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't habit-forming. However, they can be addictive when misused or used in large doses.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to take effect and doesn't last as much as stimulants. However, they can enhance focus and attention, and decrease the risk of impulsivity. The majority of these medications are based on antidepressants and they affect the brain chemical norepinephrine. They are available as a single medication or in combination with stimulants, especially when a person has anxiety and depression in addition to ADHD.
Students with ADHD treated with medication may achieve GPAs that are similar to their peers if they follow excellent study habits. In fact an earlier study found that in a group of more than 90 college students with ADHD students who used medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved by an average of one letter grade.
Most medications for ADHD are classified into one of two classes: amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphétamines are more prone to be abused and eventually become dependent than methylphenidates. But the newer longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risk of dependence and misuse. Some people take an anti-depressant that acts long daily with an immediate-release dose between 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 as well as the generic and brand names, and the duration of action.