Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but it won't cure the symptoms. It may take some time to determine the right dosage and medication that works best for you or your child. Open and honest communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
These drugs are the first treatment for adults and kids with ADHD. They increase the levels neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most popular medication healthcare professionals prescribe to help people with ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which affect the ability to focus, attention and movement. About 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD notice improvements in their symptoms after finding the right stimulant and dosage.
As a first-line treatment, doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates for kids and teens who have ADHD. They also may prescribe amphetamines, which are more effective in adults and produce fewer side negative effects. The stimulants affect two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. People with heart issues should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
Many children and adults who take stimulants will experience some side effects. But most times the side effects go away after a few weeks or less. If they do not go away consult your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that works better.
The most commonly reported stimulant side effects include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Certain people experience personality changes. add adhd medications can have a worsening of anxiety or depression. This is why it is important to consult with an expert in mental health prior to starting stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause people feel uneasy or anxious. They can also trigger stomachaches, headaches, and a loss of appetite. They also can lead to an increased risk of addiction. Stimulants are not habit-forming in the low doses used to treat ADHD, but they can cause addiction if misused or taken in large doses.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to take effect and doesn't last as long as stimulants. However, they can enhance focus and attention, and reduce the risk of impulsivity. A majority of these drugs are based on antidepressants, and they act on the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed by themselves or in combination with stimulants. This is especially true when a person also suffers from depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
Students with ADHD treated with medication can achieve GPAs that are comparable to their peers if they follow good habits of study. A recent study showed that college students with ADHD who were treated with medication to treat their symptoms increased their grades by an average of a letter grade.
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD are classified into one of two drug classes: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Amphétamines are more likely be abused and become dependent than methylphenidates. But the newer, longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risks of misuse and dependence. Some people take a daily long-acting medication with an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon to lower their fluctuation in concentration. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart outlines the class of medication, the generic name, brand name, and length of the action.