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 include them in treatments for anxiety or depression.
Teens and children who don't take their ADHD medications often have worse symptoms. adhd medication names is crucial that they comprehend the importance of following the advice of their doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication that doctors employ to treat ADHD in adults and children. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps people focus more effectively and decreases impulsive behavior. Approximately 80% of people with ADHD who are taking the right dose experience fewer symptoms.
The majority of stimulants fall under the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as a first-line treatment for ADHD because of decades of research that have shown robust response rates, tolerability, safety and low adverse reactions across the lifespan. They are not habit-forming and there is very little evidence that they can cause an addiction 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.
The drugs are available in different varieties or formulations. The most common form of stimulant prescribed to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines, atomoxetine and amphetamines are also available.
Certain long-acting versions of these medications last up to 16 hours and may reduce the requirement for an evening or afternoon dose. They can also help avoid the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that could be experienced when taking stimulants with shorter durations of action. 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 rapid decrease in energy levels and can be difficult to cope with.
These medications can also trigger other side effects such as upset stomachs or appetite suppression, as well as sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood swings, and sleep problems. In rare cases, stimulants may worsen tics. Some adolescents and children who take ADHD medication experience increased eye blinking, or throat clearing. These are usually mild and will go away when the body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases ADHD medications can cause young people to grow slower and be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to get started however they don't trigger the same sudden bursts of energy, and can help improve concentration, attention and control over time. Since they're not controlled substances they are less likely be misused or cause substance abuse disorders. However, some individuals might be affected by an "crash", or rebound effect, if they suddenly stop taking the drugs.
Due to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and track the body's reactions to ensure that a person is getting the correct dosage. This is particularly true if the healthcare provider is treating a comorbid disorder like depression or anxiety. It is important that a person with ADHD sees a psychiatrist regularly until they discover the best dosage and combination of medications. If you're looking for a psychiatrist who can evaluate your mental health and assist you in deciding whether to consider adding ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that will connect you with a specialist within a matter of days.