Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication can control ADHD symptoms, but it will not cure it. It could take some time to find the perfect medication and dosage for your child or yourself. Communication with your doctor should be honest and open.
Stimulants
These medications are the first option for treating children and adults suffering from ADHD. They increase levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common medication healthcare professionals prescribe to people suffering from ADHD. They increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. Around 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD experience improvement in their symptoms once they discover the right stimulant and dosage.
As a first-line treatment, doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to teenagers and children with ADHD. Amphetamines can also be prescribed, because they are more effective and have less negative side effects for adults. Stimulants alter two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. People with heart problems should be closely monitored if taking stimulants.
The majority of children and adults who take stimulants will experience some side effects. However, the majority of the time the side effects go away after a few weeks, or less. If they don't, consult your doctor about changing the medication or locating a different one that works better for you or your child.
The most common stimulant side effects include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They might become withdrawn, listless or rigid, or they may show obsessive-compulsive behaviors. adhd medication for adults uk may experience worsening anxiety or depression. This is why it's crucial to talk to an expert in mental health prior to introducing stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate, which may make some people feel shaky or anxious. They can also trigger stomachaches, headaches, and loss of appetite. They can also increase the likelihood of addiction. In small doses stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't habit-forming. However, they can be addictive if misused or taken at high doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working and don't last as long as stimulants do, but they can improve concentration and focus, and decrease the risk of impulsivity. The majority of these medications are based on antidepressants, and they act on the brain chemical norepinephrine. They are available as a single medication or in combination with stimulants, especially if the patient suffers from depression and anxiety in addition to ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students with ADHD who are treated with medication have revealed that they can earn GPAs that are comparable to their peers if they follow a good set of habits of study. In fact an earlier study found that, in a group of more than 90 college students who had ADHD students who used medication to manage their symptoms improved their grades by an average of one letter grade.
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD fall into one of two classes: amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphétamines are more likely be misused and develop dependence than methylphenidates. The more recent, longer-acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin) and bupropion have lower risks for misuse and dependency. Some people take a daily long-acting drug that has an immediate-release dosage in the afternoon to decrease their fluctuation in 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, generic name, brand name, and length of the action.