ADHD Medications 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants increase brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat ADHD symptoms. They can also be prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medication often experience worse symptoms. This is why they must understand the importance of following their doctors and their instructions.
Stimulants
The most common medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD in adults and children is stimulants. They are used to increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This allows people to concentrate more effectively and decreases the tendency to be impulsive. Around 80% of people suffering from ADHD who are taking the right dose experience fewer symptoms.
The majority of stimulants belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as a first-line treatments for ADHD because of decades of research which have proven their effectiveness in response rates, safety, tolerability, and low adverse effects across the entire lifespan. They are also not habit-forming and there is little evidence that they cause a 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.
They are available in various varieties or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are the most commonly prescribed stimulant to treat ADHD as amphetamines and atomoxetine are both available.
Some of the long-acting versions medications last for up to 16 hours and may reduce the need for an evening or afternoon dose. They can also help to avoid the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that can be experienced when taking stimulants with shorter durations of action. Some people who use these medications may experience an "crash effect" when they stop taking them. It is characterized by a sudden, sharp drop in energy.
These medications can also cause other side effects such as stomach upset, appetite suppression and sleep problems. They can also cause dry mouth, mood changes and sleep issues. In see this website can exacerbate tics. Some adolescents and children who are taking ADHD medication have increased eye blinking, or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually mild and disappear after the body is accustomed to the medication. In rare instances ADHD medications can cause children to slow down their growth and become shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs are more difficult to use, but they do not generate the same surges of energy. They also help improve attention, focus, and control of impulses over time. They're not controlled substances, therefore they are less likely to be abused or cause drug abuse disorders, however certain people could cause the "crash" or rebound effect when they suddenly stop taking these medications.
Because ADHD can be complicated, healthcare providers usually prescribe a variety of medications and keep track of the body's reactions to make sure they are receiving the right amount. This is particularly true in the case of a healthcare professional treating a comorbid disorder like depression or anxiety. It is essential for people suffering from ADHD to consult regularly with a psychiatrist on an ongoing basis until they find the appropriate combination of medication and dosage. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who will assess your mental health and help you decide if it's time to try add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a specialist within days.