Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medicines can manage ADHD symptoms but won't cure it. It could take some time to find the perfect medication and dosage for your child or yourself. mouse click the following webpage that is honest and open with your doctor is crucial.
Stimulants
These drugs are the first treatment option for children and adults with ADHD. They increase the 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 certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. About 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms after finding the right stimulant and dosage.
As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to teenagers and children with ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines, which are more effective for adults and cause fewer side negative effects. Stimulants alter two brain chemicals: norepinephrine, and dopamine. People with heart conditions should be closely monitored when taking stimulants.
Many adults and children who take stimulants will experience some adverse effects. Most of the time these adverse effects will subside within a few days or weeks. If they don't go away, speak to your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that works better.
Some of the most frequent effects of stimulants are a loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They might become withdrawn, listless or rigid or display obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Certain people may experience worsening of anxiety or depression. This is why it's essential to speak with a mental health professional prior to introducing stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause some people feel shaky or anxious. They can also cause headaches, stomachaches and a decrease in appetite. They can also result in an increased risk of a substance abuse. They aren't habit-forming when they are in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD however, they could be addictive if misused or taken in large doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working and don't last as long as stimulants, however, they can help improve concentration and focus, and decrease impulsivity. A majority of these drugs are based on antidepressants and they work by affecting the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants. This is particularly applicable when a person suffers from depression, anxiety or ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students who suffer from ADHD who are treated with medication have found that they can achieve GPAs similar to their peers if they follow a good set of study habits. A recent study showed that college students with ADHD who were treated with medication to manage their symptoms improved their grades by an average of a letter grade.
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD are classified into two drug classes: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Amphétamines are more prone to be abused and become dependent than methylphenidates. However, the more modern longer-acting atomoxetine as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risks of misuse and dependence. Some people supplement with a long-acting drug taken once daily, with an immediate-release dose during the mid to late afternoon to limit 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 outlines the class of medication, the brand name, generic name, and duration of action.