Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help manage ADHD symptoms, but it won't cure them. It can take time to determine the best dosage and medication for you or your child. Open and honest communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
These medications are the first treatment for children and adults with ADHD. They increase levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most popular medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat people suffering from ADHD. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which impact the ability to focus, attention, and movement. Around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms after finding the right stimulant drug and dosage.
As a first-line treatment, doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to children and teens with ADHD. They also may prescribe amphetamines, which are more efficient in adults and have less adverse negative effects. The stimulants affect two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. Heart-related problems sufferers must be closely monitored when taking stimulants.
Most children and adults taking stimulants will experience adverse effects. Most of the time these side effects will disappear within some days or weeks. If they don't disappear talk to your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that works better.
Some of the most frequent side effects of stimulants include a loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Some people develop personality changes. Some may experience an increase in anxiety or depression, which is why it is important to talk to a mental health professional before starting stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause some people feel nervous or anxious. They can also cause headaches, stomachaches and a loss of appetite. They also increase the risk of substance abuse. In low doses, stimulants used to treat ADHD are not habit-forming. However they can be addictive when misused or taken at high doses.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working and do not last longer than stimulants, however they can increase concentration and focus, and decrease the impulsivity. These medications are mostly made up of antidepressants and work on norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical. They can be prescribed as a standalone medication or in conjunction with stimulants, especially if someone is suffering from anxiety and depression in addition to ADHD.
adhd medication list of academic performance among students who suffer from ADHD who are treated with medication have revealed that they can earn GPAs comparable to those of their peers if they adhere to good studies. In fact the results of a recent study revealed that, in a study of more than 90 college students who had ADHD students who used medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved 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. However, the more recent longer-acting atomoxetine as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risks of dependence and misuse. Some people take a single dose of a long-acting drug with an immediate release dose in the afternoon to lower 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 shows the class of medication, the generic name, brand name, and length of the action.