Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help manage ADHD symptoms, but it won't cure the symptoms. It may take time to find the perfect medication and dosage for you or your child. Honest and open communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
These medications are the first treatment for children and adults with ADHD. They boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants
The most common medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which impact concentration, attention, and movement. Around 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD experience improvement in their symptoms after they discover the right stimulant and dosage.
As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to kids and teens who have ADHD. They also may prescribe amphetamines that are more effective for adults and cause fewer side consequences. Stimulants influence two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Heart-related problems sufferers should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
Many adults and children who take stimulants will experience some adverse effects. But most of the time these side effects will disappear after a few weeks or less. If they don't, talk to your doctor about changing the medication or looking for another one that works better for you or your child.
The most frequent stimulant side effects include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. how does medication for adhd work might become withdrawn rigid, numb or irritable or display obsessive-compulsive behavior. Others can have a worsening of depression or anxiety, which is why it is important to speak with an expert in mental health before taking stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can trigger anxiety and a rise in blood pressure. They can also trigger headaches, stomachaches and loss of appetite. They can also lead to an increased risk of a substance abuse. In low doses stimulants used to treat ADHD aren't habit-forming. However they can be addictive when misused or taken at high doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and does not last as long as stimulants. However, they do enhance focus and attention, and reduce the risk of impulsivity. These medications are mostly built on antidepressants, and they work on norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical. They are available as a standalone medication or as a combination with stimulants, especially when the patient suffers from depression and anxiety in addition to ADHD.
Students with ADHD treated with medication may achieve GPAs that are similar to their peers if they practice excellent study habits. A recent study found that college students with ADHD who took medication to control symptoms improved their grades by an average of a letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications are classified into two drug classes amphetamines or methylphenidates. Amphétamines are more prone to be abused and eventually become dependent than methylphenidates. The latest, more effective atomoxetine (Wellbutrin) and bupropion have less risk for abuse and dependence. Some people add a long-acting medication taken once daily with an immediate-release dose in the mid to late afternoon to limit fluctuations in their 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 names, generic names, brand names, and the duration of the action.