15 Amazing Facts About Medication For ADHD You've Never Seen
Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help manage ADHD symptoms but it's not a cure for the symptoms. It could take some time to find the perfect dosage and medication for your child or yourself. Honest and open communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
These medications are the first treatment for children and adults with ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to help people with ADHD. These medications increase levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. About 70-80% of children and adults with ADHD notice improvement in their symptoms after identifying the correct stimulant drug and dose.
Doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates (including Atomoxetine, Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for kids and teens with ADHD. Amphetamines are also prescribed, as they are more effective and have less side-effects in adults. 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 side effects. But most of the time, these side effects go away after a few weeks or less. If they don't, consult your doctor about changing the medication or looking for an alternative that is better for you or your child.
The most commonly reported stimulant side effects include weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Certain people experience personality changes. Certain people may experience worsening of anxiety or depression. This is why it's crucial to speak with a mental health professional prior to introducing stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants can trigger anxiety and a rise in blood pressure. They can also trigger headaches, stomachaches and a loss of appetite. types of adhd medication can also increase the likelihood of addiction. In low doses stimulants used to treat ADHD are not habit-forming. However they can be addictive if misused or taken at high doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working and don't last as long as stimulants, but they can improve attention and focus and reduce the impulsivity. The majority of these medications are based on antidepressants and they work by affecting the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed as a single or together with stimulants. This is especially relevant when a person 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 similar to their peers, provided they follow a good set of study habits. A recent study showed that college students with ADHD who were treated with medication to control symptoms improved their grades by one letter grade.
The majority of drugs for ADHD are classified into one of two drug classes: amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphetamines have more potential for dependence and abuse than methylphenidates. The more recent, longer-acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin), and bupropion have less risk for abuse and dependence. Some people take a long-acting medication taken once 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 lists the class of medication, generic name, brand name, and length of the action.