ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants boost the brain chemicals that regulate behaviour. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat ADHD symptoms. They can also be used in the treatment of anxiety or depression.
Teens and children who don't take their ADHD medications often have worse symptoms. This is why they should be aware of the importance of following their doctors the instructions of their doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used kind of medication that healthcare professionals use to treat ADHD in adults and children. They help by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This aids in concentration and decreases impulsive behavior. Around 80% of people suffering from ADHD who take the correct dosage have less symptoms.
The stimulants that have been approved by the FDA include those from the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug class. The FDA has approved them as a first-line treatment for ADHD because of the decades of studies that have shown robust response rates, tolerability, safety and minimal adverse effects across the entire lifespan. They are also non-habit-forming, and there is no evidence to suggest they cause substance use 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 forms, or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are among the most commonly prescribed stimulant for treating ADHD, while amphetamines and atomoxetine are both available.
Some long-acting versions of these drugs last for up to 16 hours and could decrease the need for an afternoon or evening dose. They also help prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rates that are typical of shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who take these drugs might have an "crash effect" when they stop taking them. It is characterized by a sudden and abrupt drop in energy.
These medications can cause additional side effects, including nausea suppression, stomach upset, sleep problems dry mouth, and mood changes. In rare instances stimulants can exacerbate tics. Children and adolescents who are taking ADHD medication have increased eye blinking, or throat clearing. They are usually minor and will go away when the body adjusts to the medication. In rare instances ADHD medications can cause children to slow down their growth and become shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to begin working, but they don't cause the same sudden bursts of energy and can boost concentration, attention and control over time. They're not controlled substances, so they are less likely to be misused or cause addiction disorders. However, some people could cause a "crash" or rebound effect if they suddenly stop taking these medications.
Due to the complexity of ADHD, healthcare providers prescribe multiple medications and track the body's reactions to ensure patients are receiving the correct dosage. This is especially true in the case of treating a comorbid illness like anxiety or depression. It is important that someone suffering from ADHD sees a psychiatrist regularly until they find the right dosage and combination of medications. managing adhd without medication is an online psychiatry service that matches you with a doctor within a matter of days and can assist you in finding a psychiatrist who can assess your mental health. They can also help you decide whether you should take ADHD medication.