ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants increase brain chemicals that control behaviour. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also use them in treatment for depression or anxiety.
Kids and teens who don't take their ADHD medications typically have more severe symptoms. This is why they must understand the importance of following their doctors the instructions of their doctor.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. They are used to increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. About 80% of ADHD sufferers who take the right dose are less prone to ADHD symptoms.
Most stimulants are in the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as a the first-line treatment for ADHD due to of decades of research which have proven their effectiveness in response rates, tolerability, safety and low adverse reactions across the entire lifespan. They are non-habit forming and there is very little evidence to suggest they could cause a substance abuse disorder. However, if adhd medication ritalin 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.
The drugs are available in different forms or formulations. The most popular type of stimulant prescribed to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines, atomoxetine and amphetamines are also available.
Some of the long-acting ones last up to 16 hour and can reduce the need for a daily afternoon dose. They also can help prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that could occur when taking shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who are taking these drugs may experience what's known as a "crash" result when they stop taking the medication, which is typically a sharp decrease in energy and may be difficult to deal with.
These medications can also cause additional side effects like upset stomach or appetite suppression, as well as sleep problems. They can also cause dry mouth, mood swings and sleep issues. In rare instances, stimulants may worsen tics. For instance that some adolescents and children who take ADHD medication have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually mild and they disappear once the body has adjusted to the medication. In rare instances, ADHD medications can delay growth in children and cause them to be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs require more time to work but they don't generate the same surges of energy. They also help increase focus, attention, and impulse control over time. They're not controlled substances, which means they are less likely to be misused or lead to addiction disorders. However, some people may find they may cause the "crash" or rebound effect when they suddenly stop taking these medications.
Due to the complexity of ADHD medical professionals prescribe multiple medications and monitor the body's responses to ensure that a person is getting the correct dose. This is especially true when they are treating a comorbid illness like anxiety or depression. It is important for a person with ADHD to see regularly with a psychiatrist on an ongoing basis until they've found the appropriate combination of medication and dosage. Talkiatry, an online psychiatry service that matches you with a specialist within a matter days, can help you find a psychiatrist to evaluate your mental health. They can also help you decide whether you should take ADHD medication.