A Reference To Medication For ADHD From Start To Finish
Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD The use of medication can help manage ADHD symptoms, but it won't cure them. It may take some time to find the dosage and medication that work best for you or your child. Open and honest communication with your doctor is key. Stimulants These drugs are the first treatment for adults and kids with ADHD. They boost 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 the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which affect attention, focus, and movement. Around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD notice improvements in their symptoms after finding the right stimulant drug and dosage. As a first-line treatment, doctors typically prescribe methylphenidates to teenagers and children with ADHD. Amphetamines are also prescribed because they are more effective and have less side-effects in adults. The stimulants affect two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. Heart patients should be monitored closely when taking stimulants. Most children and adults who take stimulants will experience some side effects. But most of the time these side effects will disappear after a few weeks or less. If they do not go away talk to your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that works better. Some of the most common side effects of stimulants include the loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They may become shy rigid, numb or irritable or exhibit obsessive-compulsive behavior. Others can have an increase in anxiety or depression, which is the reason it is essential to talk to an expert in mental health prior to starting stimulant medications for ADHD. Stimulants can create anxiety and increase blood pressure. They can also cause stomachaches, headaches and loss of appetite. They can also increase the likelihood of addiction. They aren't habit-forming when they are in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD However, they can be addictive if misused or taken in large doses. Non-stimulant medications take longer to take effect and doesn't last as long as stimulants. However, they do increase focus and concentration and reduce impulsivity. These medications are mostly made up of antidepressants and work on norepinephrine, a brain chemical. They can be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants. This is especially true when a person also suffers from depression, anxiety or ADHD. Students with ADHD who are treated with medication can achieve GPAs that are similar to their peers if they follow good habits of study. A recent study found that college students with ADHD who took medication to control symptoms improved their grades by a letter grade. The majority of ADHD medications are classified into two drug classes amphetamines or methylphenidates. knowing it have a higher potential for abuse and dependency than methylphenidates. The more recent, longer-acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin), and bupropion have lower risks for misuse and dependency. Some people add with a long-acting drug taken once daily with an immediate-release dose between 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 lists the medication class, generic name, brand names, and length of action.