Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medicines can manage ADHD symptoms but will not cure it. It could take some time to find the perfect dosage and medication for your child or yourself. The communication with your doctor should be honest and open.
Stimulants
These drugs are the first treatment for adults and kids with ADHD. They boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which impact concentration, attention and movement. Around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD notice improvements in their symptoms after finding the right stimulant and dose.
Doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates (including atomoxetine and Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for children and teens with ADHD. Amphetamines are also prescribed since they are more effective and have less negative side effects for adults. Stimulants work on two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. People with heart problems should be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
Children and adults who are taking stimulants experience side effects. However, the majority times these side effects will go away within a few weeks or less. If they don't go away talk to your doctor about changing your medication or finding one that performs better.
The most frequent stimulant-related side effects are the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They might become withdrawn rigid, numb or irritable or exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Others may experience a worsening of depression or anxiety, which is why it is important to talk to an expert in mental health prior to beginning stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate, which may make some people feel shaky or anxious. They can also cause stomachaches, headaches and loss of appetite. adhd medication uk increase the likelihood of addiction. In small doses stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are not habit-forming. However, they can be addictive if misused or in high doses.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and doesn't last as long as stimulants. However, they can increase focus and concentration and decrease impulsivity. A majority of these drugs are based on antidepressants and they work by affecting the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed as a single or in combination with stimulants. This is especially true when a person also has anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students who suffer from ADHD who are treated with medication have revealed that they can attain GPAs comparable to those of their peers if they follow a good set of studies. In fact the results of a recent study revealed that in a group of more than 90 college students who had 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 drug classes - methylphenidates or amphetamines. Amphétamines are more likely be abused and become dependent than methylphenidates. However, the more modern longer-acting atomoxetine as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risk of misuse and dependence. Some people take a once-daily long-acting medication with an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon to lower their concentration fluctuations. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart shows the class of medication, brand name, generic name, and length of the action.