A Adhd Treatment Without Medication Success Story You'll Never Believe
How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication
Medications can help relieve ADHD symptoms by increasing the quantity of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine that is found in the brain.
Stimulants are the main medication prescribed to children suffering from ADHD.
You can choose from the short- or long-acting doses. The longer-acting ones are preferred since they last between 8 and 12 hours and need to be taken only one time per day. They also lessen the effect of rebound, in which symptoms return, usually more than before, as the medication wears off.
Stimulants
ADHD medication providers most often prescribe stimulants. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain, called dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps you focus and pay attention.
However, stimulants can cause negative side effects, particularly when they are used for a long duration. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking these drugs, including changes in your mood, appetite and heart rate as well as how they affect your sleep.
If adhd medications for adults are taking any stimulant medication for prolonged periods of time, you may be at risk of developing addiction or misuse. Addiction is when you feel you can't control your urge to take a stimulant medication regardless of its side effects. Addiction can be a sign of a desire to take more than your doctor recommends or feeling dependent on the substance.
Abuse of stimulant medications can also cause other health issues, such as depression and suicidal thoughts. If you suspect you or someone else you know might be using these drugs to harm themselves or others, call your local police or other authorities right away.
Some of the most common stimulants used to treat ADHD are amphetamines and methylphenidate (brand-name medication Ritalin, Concerta or Dexamphetamine). Amphetamines are available in immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (intermediate-acting) tablets, capsules or liquids. These medicines are typically taken daily, either once or twice.
The amphetamines that have a longer acting effect work better than their shorter-acting counterparts. They last between six and eight hours, and can assist you in navigating your day with less "ups and downs."
Extended-release stimulants can be used with an immediate-release medication in the afternoon. This can be helpful in the event that your ADHD symptoms begin to show up late in the day , or if you notice that you are experiencing anxiety due to the medication wearing off early.
A small dose of a long-acting stimulant before the time of your bed is also a possibility to help you fall asleep. It's not recommended to take the medication on an empty stomach, as it can cause a loss of energy and cause sleepiness.
During the early phases of treatment, insomnia can be a relatively common side effect associated with stimulants. This can be minimized by not taking the medicine before bed and taking enough sleep on a regular basis.
Another side effect of stimulants is anxiety. It can range from moderate to severe and may cause tics. These are sudden movements or sound like eye blinking, throat clearing, or throat clearing. It can also cause a flare-up in an existing depression or bipolar disorder.
Changes in blood pressure and heart rate can also occur, although these effects are usually minimal. When you begin using stimulants to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure and improve the function of your heart.
Insomnia can also be a side effect of ADHD medication. This problem can be reduced by taking stimulants along in combination with prescription sleep aids. Or using relaxation or meditation techniques before going to sleep.