ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
The stimulants increase the brain chemicals that regulate behaviour. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also be used to treat symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Teens and children who don't take their ADHD medications often have worse symptoms. This is why they must understand the importance of following doctors the instructions of their doctor.
Stimulants
The most common medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. adhd medication list work by increasing levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps people focus and decreases impulsive behavior. Around 80percent of ADHD sufferers who take the right dose are less prone to ADHD symptoms.
The stimulants approved by FDA are those belonging to the amphetamine and methylphenidate class. They are considered the first-line treatment for the disorder due to decades of research that has shown high response rates, good tolerability and safety throughout life as well as a low incidence of adverse reactions. They are not habit-forming and there is no evidence that they can cause an addiction disorder. However, if they are used in higher-than-prescribed amounts, or by people who don't have ADHD, they can lead to serious side effects and even cause brain changes.
These drugs come in different types, or formulations. The most commonly used form of stimulant prescribed to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines, atomoxetine and amphetamines are also available.
Some of the long-acting ones last for as long as 16 hours and can reduce the need for a daily dose in the afternoon. They also can help prevent the rapid increase in blood pressure and heart rate that can be experienced when taking stimulants with shorter durations of action. Some people who use these medications might experience what is called a "crash" effect when they stop taking the medication, which is typically a abrupt decrease in energy that may be difficult to deal with.
These medications can cause other side effects, such as upset stomachs as well as appetite suppression and sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood changes, and sleep problems. In rare instances stimulants can cause tics that get worse. Some children and adolescents who are taking ADHD medication have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually minor, and they disappear once the body has adjusted to the medication. In rare instances, ADHD medications can delay growth in young people and make them shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, but they don't cause the same sudden bursts energy and can improve attention, focus and impulse control over time. Since they aren't controlled substances, they are less likely to be misused or cause addiction disorders. However, some may experience an "crash", or rebound effect, if they suddenly stop taking them.
Due to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and keep track of the body's reactions to ensure the patient is receiving the correct dosage. This is especially true when the healthcare professional is treating a comorbid condition like depression or anxiety. It is essential that a person with ADHD consults with a psychiatrist on a regular basis until they find the right dosage and combination of medications. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who will assess your mental health and assist you in deciding whether to add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that will connect you with a provider within days.