ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants boost the brain chemicals that regulate behaviour. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also use them in treatment for depression or anxiety.
Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medication are often afflicted with more symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of following their doctors' advice.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in adults and children is stimulants. They are used to increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps people focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. Around 90% of ADHD sufferers who take the right dose have fewer ADHD symptoms.
Most stimulants are in the amphetamine or methylphenidate class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. They are considered to be the first-line treatment for the disorder because of decades of research that has shown high response rates, good tolerability and safety throughout life and a low risk of adverse reactions. They aren't habit-forming, and there is no evidence to suggest they could cause a substance abuse disorder. However, if click this link now 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 different types or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are the most commonly prescribed stimulant for treating ADHD amphetamines and atomoxetine are both available.
Certain long-acting versions of these medications last for up to 16 hours, and can decrease the need for a daily afternoon or evening dose. They also can help prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that are typical of shorter-acting stimulants. Some people who use these medications may have what is called a "crash" effect when they stop the medication, which is typically a abrupt decrease in energy that can be difficult to cope with.
These medications can cause other side effects, including nausea suppression, stomach upset, sleep problems dry mouth, and mood changes. In rare instances, stimulants can cause tics to worsen. For instance that some adolescents and children who take ADHD medication experience increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually mild and they disappear once the body is accustomed to the medication. In rare cases ADHD medication can cause young people to grow slower and be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working but they don't produce the same sudden bursts energy, and can help improve attention, focus and impulse control over time. Because they're not controlled substances they are less likely be misused or to lead to substance abuse disorders. However, some people might be affected by a "crash", or rebound effect, if they stop using the drugs.
Because ADHD can be a complex condition, healthcare providers usually prescribe several medications and monitor a person's bodily reactions to ensure they are getting the right amount. This is particularly true in the case of a healthcare professional treating a comorbid illness such as depression or anxiety. It is essential that someone suffering from ADHD visits a psychiatrist regularly until they find the right dosage and medication. Talkiatry is an online psychiatry service that matches you with a specialist in a matter of days and can assist you in finding a psychiatrist to evaluate your mental health. They can also assist you in deciding if you should add ADHD medication.