Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication can help control ADHD symptoms however it isn't a cure for the symptoms. It can take some time to find the dosage and medication that works best for your child or yourself. Open and honest communication with your doctor is key.
Stimulants
These medications are the first line of treatment for children and adults suffering from ADHD. They increase the levels neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which affect concentration, attention, and movement. Around 70-80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD experience improvement in their symptoms when they have found the right stimulant and dose.
Doctors typically prescribe methylphenidates (including Atomoxetine, Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for children and teens with ADHD. Amphetamines can also be prescribed, because they are more effective and have less adverse effects in adults. The stimulants affect two brain chemicals: norepinephrine, and dopamine. Heart-related problems sufferers should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
Many adults and children who take stimulants will experience some adverse effects. However, the majority of the time, these side effects go away within a few weeks or less. If they don't go away consult your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that performs better.
The most commonly reported stimulant-related side effects are the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They may become shy rigid, unfocused or inactive or display obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Others may experience a worsening of anxiety or depression. This is the reason it is essential to consult with an expert in mental health before starting stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants can create anxiety and an increase in blood pressure. They can also cause stomachaches, headaches and a loss of appetite. adhd anxiety medication can also increase the risk of substance abuse. Stimulants are not habit-forming in the low doses used to treat ADHD However, they can be addictive if misused or taken in high doses.
Non-stimulant medication takes longer to take effect and doesn't last as long as stimulants. However, they can enhance focus and attention, and reduce the impulsivity. These drugs are primarily built on antidepressants, and they work on norepinephrine, a brain chemical. They can be prescribed as a single or together with stimulants. This is especially true when a person also has anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Studies of academic performance among students with ADHD who are treated with medication have shown that they can achieve GPAs that are comparable to their peers, if they adhere to good studies. In fact an earlier study found that in a group of more than 90 college students who had ADHD students who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved by an average of one letter grade.
The majority of drugs for ADHD fall into one of two classes: amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphetamines are more likely to be abused and eventually become dependent than methylphenidates. The more recent, longer-acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin), and bupropion have less risk for abuse and dependence. Some people take a once-daily long-acting drug that has an immediate release dose in the afternoon to reduce 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 lists the medication class, generic name, brand names, and the duration of the action.