ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants raise levels of brain chemicals that control behavior. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat ADHD symptoms. They can also incorporate them in treatment for anxiety or depression.
Teens and children who don't take their ADHD medications often have worse symptoms. It is crucial that they comprehend the importance of following their medical advice.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular type of medication that doctors use to treat ADHD in adults and children. They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. adhd medication ritalin improves focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. Approximately 80% of people suffering from ADHD who are taking the right dosage experience less symptoms.
Most stimulants are in the methylphenidate or amphetamine class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as the first-line treatment for ADHD due to of decades of research that have demonstrated high response rates, tolerability, and low adverse effects throughout the life span. They are not habit-forming and there is little evidence to suggest they could cause a substance abuse 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.
They are available in various types or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are the most commonly prescribed form of stimulant for treating ADHD amphetamines and atomoxetine are both available.
Certain long-acting versions of these medications last for up to 16 hours, and can reduce the need for an evening or afternoon dose. They can also help avoid the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that can be experienced when taking stimulants with shorter durations of action. Some people who are taking these drugs may have a "crash effect" when they stop taking them. This is typically characterized by a sudden and abrupt drop in energy.
These medications can also trigger other side effects, such as upset stomach, appetite suppression and sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood swings and sleep issues. In rare instances stimulants can cause tics to get worse. For instance certain adolescents and children who take ADHD medication have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually mild and disappear after the body has adjusted to the medication. In rare instances, ADHD medications can delay growth in young people and result in them being shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working but they don't produce the same sudden bursts energy and can boost concentration, focus and control over time. They're not controlled substances, therefore they are less likely to be misused or cause substance use disorders, but some people can have a "crash" or rebound effect when they abruptly stop taking these medications.
Due to the complexity of ADHD, healthcare providers prescribe multiple medications and track the body's reactions to ensure patients are receiving the correct dose. This is particularly true when the healthcare professional is treating a comorbid disorder such as anxiety or depression. This is why it's crucial for anyone suffering from ADHD to see regularly with a psychiatrist on an ongoing basis until they've found the right combination of medications and dosage. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who will assess your mental health and help you decide whether to add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a specialist within days.