Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medicines can manage ADHD symptoms but will not cure it. It may take some time to find the dosage and medication that work best for your child or yourself. Your doctor's communication should be honest and open.
Stimulants
These drugs are the initial option for treating adults and children with ADHD. They increase the levels neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat people suffering from ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which affect attention, focus and movement. About 70-80% of children and adults with ADHD notice improvement in their symptoms after finding the correct stimulant drug and dosage.
adhd stimulant medication prescribe methylphenidates (including atomoxetine, Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for kids and teens with ADHD. They also may prescribe amphetamines, which are more effective in adults and produce less adverse negative effects. Stimulants alter two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. People with heart conditions should be closely monitored while taking stimulants.
The majority of children and adults who take stimulants experience side effects. But most of the time the side effects go away within a few weeks or less. If they don't go away consult your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that performs better.
The most common side effects of stimulants include loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They might become withdrawn rigid, numb or irritable or exhibit obsessive-compulsive behavior. Others can have a worsening of depression or anxiety, which is the reason it is essential to speak with an expert in mental health prior to starting stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants can trigger anxiety and a rise in blood pressure. They can also cause stomachaches, headaches and loss of appetite. They can also result in an increased risk of a substance abuse. In small doses stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are not habit-forming. However, they can be addictive if misused or in high doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and doesn't last as long as stimulants. However, they can enhance focus and attention, and decrease the impulsivity. These drugs are primarily made up of antidepressants and work on norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. They can be prescribed by themselves or together with stimulants. This is particularly true when a person also has anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Students with ADHD who are treated with medication can achieve GPAs that are similar to their peers if they follow excellent study habits. In fact an earlier study found that, in a study of more than 90 college students suffering from ADHD those who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved by an average of one letter grade.
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD are classified into one of two drug classes: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Amphétamines are more prone to be misused and develop dependence than methylphenidates. The newer, longer acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin) and bupropion are less prone for abuse and dependence. Some people take a daily long-acting drug with an immediate-release dosage in the afternoon to reduce their concentration fluctuations. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart outlines the class of medication, the brand name, generic name and length of action.