ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
The stimulants increase the brain chemicals that regulate behaviour. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also include them in treatment for anxiety or depression.
Children and teens who don't take their ADHD medication typically experience more severe symptoms. That's why they need to understand the importance of following doctors the instructions of their doctor.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular kind of medication that healthcare professionals use to treat ADHD in adults and children. They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps people focus more effectively and decreases impulsive behavior. About 90% of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dosage experience fewer ADHD symptoms.
Most stimulants are in the amphetamine or methylphenidate drug classes and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as first-line treatments for ADHD because of decades of research that have shown robust response rates, tolerability, and low adverse effects across the entire lifespan. They are non-habit forming and there is 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. Methylphenidate pills are the most commonly prescribed form of stimulant used to treat ADHD as amphetamines and atomoxetine are both available.
Some of the long-acting ones last for as long as 16 hours and can reduce the need for a daily afternoon dose. They also can help prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that can occur when taking shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who are taking these medications may have what is called a "crash" effect after they stop taking the medication which usually results in a rapid decrease in energy levels and may be difficult to deal with.
These medications can cause additional side effects like stomach upset, appetite suppression and sleep problems. They can also cause dry mouth, mood swings, and sleep problems. In rare instances stimulants can cause tics to worsen. Children and adolescents who take ADHD medication experience increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually mild and they disappear once the body is accustomed to the medication. In rare instances, ADHD medications can delay growth in young people and cause them to be smaller than their peers.
Non-stimulant medications are more difficult to use however they don't produce the same surges of energy. They also can improve attention, focus, and control of impulses over time. Because does adhd medication work 're not controlled substances they are less likely to be misused or cause substance abuse disorders. However, some individuals may be affected by the "crash" or rebound effect, after they stop using them.
Due to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and track the body's responses to ensure that a person is getting the right dosage. This is especially true in the case of treating a comorbid condition such as anxiety or depression. It is essential that someone suffering from ADHD visits a psychiatrist regularly until they find the right combination of medication and dosage. Talkiatry, an online psychiatry service that connects you with a doctor in a matter of days, can help you find a psychiatrist to evaluate your mental health. They can also assist you in deciding whether you should get ADHD medication.