A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind Medication For ADHD
Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD Medication can control ADHD symptoms, but it won't cure it. It may take some time to find the dosage and medication that work best for your child or you. Honest and open communication with your doctor is essential. Stimulants These medications are the initial treatment for children and adults with ADHD. add adhd medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. Stimulants The most frequently prescribed medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which impact attention, focus and movement. About 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms once they discover the right stimulant and dose. Doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates (including Atomoxetine, Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for kids and teens suffering from ADHD. They also may prescribe amphetamines, which are more efficient in adults and have fewer side consequences. Stimulants alter two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. People with heart issues should be closely monitored if taking stimulants. Many children and adults who take stimulants may experience some side effects. However, most of the time, these side effects disappear after a few weeks or less. If they don't disappear talk to your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that performs better. Some of the most frequent side effects of stimulants include an increase in appetite, sleeplessness and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They might become withdrawn, listless or rigid, or they may show obsessive-compulsive behavior. Others may experience an increase in anxiety or depression. This is why it is important to consult with an expert in mental health before taking stimulant medication for ADHD. Stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can make some people feel nervous or anxious. They can also cause stomachaches, headaches, and a decrease in appetite. They also can lead to an increased risk of a substance abuse. The stimulants aren't habit-forming in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD, but they can create addiction if they are used in excessive doses. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working and don't last as long as stimulants do, but they can improve attention and focus and reduce the impulsivity. The majority of these medications are based on antidepressants and they act on the brain chemical norepinephrine. They are available as a stand-alone medication or in conjunction with stimulants, especially when someone is suffering from anxiety and depression in addition to 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 follow a good set of habits of study. In fact an earlier study found that, in a study of more than 90 college students with ADHD, those who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms improved their grades by an average of a letter grade. The majority of ADHD medications fall into two classes of drugs – methylphenidates or amphetamines. Amphetamines are more likely to be misused and develop dependence than methylphenidates. The latest, more effective atomoxetine (Wellbutrin), and bupropion have less risk for abuse and dependence. Some people take a daily long-acting drug with an immediate-release dosage in the late afternoon to decrease their fluctuations 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 medication class, generic name, brand names, and length of action.