How Much Can Medication For ADHD Experts Make?
Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medicines can manage ADHD symptoms but won't cure it. It could take some time to find the right dosage and medication for your child or yourself. Communication that is honest and open with your doctor is crucial.
Stimulants
These medications are the first option for treating children and adults with ADHD. They boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants
The most common medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. About 70 to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD experience improvement in their symptoms after they discover the right stimulant and dose.
As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to teenagers and children with ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines that are more efficient in adults and have less side effects. Stimulants work on two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. People with heart conditions should be closely monitored when taking stimulants.
Most people, both adults and children, who use stimulants will experience some adverse effects. However, most times these side effects will disappear after a few weeks, or less. If they don't, consult your doctor about changing the medication or looking for another one that works better for you or your child.
Some of the most common effects of stimulants are a loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They may become shy rigid, unfocused or inactive, or they may show obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Some may experience an increase in anxiety or depression, which is why it is crucial to talk to a mental health professional before taking stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can trigger anxiety and a rise in blood pressure. adhd medication pregnancy can also trigger stomachaches, headaches and a loss of appetite. They can also increase the likelihood of addiction. Stimulants are not habit-forming in the low doses used to treat ADHD however, they could be addictive if misused or taken in high doses.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to take effect and doesn't last as long as stimulants. However, they can improve focus and attention and decrease the impulsivity. Most of these medications are based on antidepressants, and they affect the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed as a stand-alone medication or as a combination with stimulants, particularly when the patient suffers from depression and anxiety in addition to ADHD.
Students suffering from ADHD treated with medication can achieve GPAs that are similar to their peers if they adhere to excellent study habits. In fact an earlier study found that, in a study of more than 90 college students with ADHD those who used medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved by an average of one letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two drug classes amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphétamines are more likely be abused and eventually become dependent than methylphenidates. The latest, more effective atomoxetine (Wellbutrin), and bupropion are less prone for misuse and dependency. Some people add 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 shows the class of medication, the brand name, generic name, and length of the action.