Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD

Medication can help control ADHD symptoms however it isn't a cure for the symptoms. It may take some time to find the medication and dosage that work best for your child or you. The communication with your doctor should be open and honest.

Stimulants

These drugs are the initial option for treating adults and children with ADHD. adhd medication ritalin boost the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

Stimulants

The most common medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which affect attention, focus and movement. Around 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD notice improvement in their symptoms when they discover the right stimulant and dose.

As a first-line treatment doctors typically prescribe methylphenidates to teenagers and children with ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines, which are more effective in adults and produce less adverse consequences. Stimulants influence two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Heart-related problems sufferers must be closely monitored when taking stimulants.

Many people, both adults and children, who use stimulants will experience some adverse effects. However, most times, these side effects go away after a few weeks, or less. If they don't, consult your doctor about changing the medication or looking for an alternative that is better for you or your child.

Some of the most frequent effects of stimulants are a loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Certain people experience personality changes. Some may experience a worsening of anxiety or depression, which is the reason it is essential to consult with an expert in mental health prior to beginning stimulant medications for ADHD.

Stimulants raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause some people feel nervous or anxious. They can also trigger headaches, stomachaches and a loss of appetite. They also increase the likelihood of addiction. The stimulants aren't habit-forming in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD however, they could be addictive if misused or taken in high doses.

Non-stimulant medicines require longer to get started and don't last as long as stimulants, but they can improve focus and attention, and also reduce the impulsivity. They are primarily based on antidepressants and act on norepinephrine, a brain chemical. They can be prescribed by themselves or together with stimulants. This is particularly applicable when a person has anxiety, depression and ADHD.

Students suffering from ADHD who are treated with medication can achieve GPAs that are comparable to their peers if they practice good study habits. In fact, a recent study showed that, in a group of more than 90 college students who had ADHD, those who took medication to control their symptoms saw their grades improve by an average of a letter grade.

The majority of drugs for ADHD are classified into one of two classes: amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphetamines have more potential for abuse and dependency than methylphenidates. However, the more modern longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risks of dependence and misuse. Some people take a long-acting medication taken once every day with an immediate release dose during the mid to late afternoon to reduce 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 lists the medication class names, generic names, brand names, and the duration of action.
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