15 Surprising Stats About Adhd Treatment Without Medication
How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication
Medicines can ease ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine that is found in the brain.
Children with ADHD are most commonly prescribed stimulants.
They are available in both long and short-acting dosages. The ones with longer-acting effects are the most popular since they last between 8 and 12 hours and are required to be taken only one time per day. They also minimize the rebound effect, where symptoms return, often worse than before, as the drug wears off.
Stimulants
ADHD medication providers most often prescribe stimulants. They function by increasing the levels of chemical (neurotransmitters) in your brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals help you pay attention and remain focused.
Some side effects can be experienced especially when stimulants are taken for a prolonged period of time. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of these medications, and also about possible changes in your mood, appetite and heart rate, as well as how they affect your sleep.
If you are taking an anti-stimulation medication for long periods of time, you may be at risk of becoming addicted or abuse. adhd medication occurs when you feel that you can't control your urge to take a stimulant drug regardless of its adverse side effects. Addiction may be a sign of a desire to take more than the amount your doctor recommends or becoming dependent on the substance.
Other health issues that could be caused by the use of stimulant drugs include suicidal and depression. You must immediately notify the police if you suspect that someone you are aware of is using stimulant drugs to harm themselves or others.
Amphetamines (brand-name Ritalin, Concerta, or Dexamphetamine) are among the most frequently-used stimulants for treating ADHD. Amphetamines are available in immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (intermediate-acting) tablets, capsules or liquids. These are typically taken once or twice daily.
The longer-acting versions of amphetamines perform better than their shorter-acting counterparts. They last from six to eight hours and help you through the day with fewer "ups and downs."
Extended-release stimulants may be used with an immediate-release medication in the afternoon. This is an excellent option in the event that ADHD symptoms begin to show up late in the day, or if the medication stops working too early.
In order to help you fall asleep A small dose of an elongating stimulant may be taken prior to bedtime. You shouldn't take this drug when you're not hungry. It can cause sleep problems and loss of energy.
In the initial stages of treatment, insomnia is a relatively common side effect of stimulants. This can be prevented by not taking the medicine close to bedtime and by sleeping enough regularly.
Another effect of stimulants is anxiety. It may be mild or serious and can result in tics, which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also cause a flare-up in the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder.
Changes in blood pressure and heart rate are also possible, though these effects are typically minor. If you start taking stimulants to treat ADHD your doctor may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
ADHD medication can also cause insomnia. It's less of a concern when you start to take stimulants along with a prescribed sleep aid, or by using a relaxing or meditation technique prior to going to bed.