ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
The stimulants increase the brain chemicals that regulate behaviour. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. adhd medication ritalin can also be used to treat symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Teens and children who don't take their ADHD medications often have worse symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of following their medical advice.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in adults and children is stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps people focus better and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. Around 90% of ADHD sufferers who take the right dose have fewer ADHD symptoms.
The majority of stimulants fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as a first-line treatment for ADHD because of the decades of studies which have proven their effectiveness in response rates, safety, tolerability, and low adverse effects across the entire lifespan. They are not habit-forming and there is very 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.
These drugs come in different types, or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are among the most commonly prescribed stimulant for treating ADHD amphetamines and atomoxetine are also available.
best adhd medication for adults with anxiety -acting versions of these medications last for up to 16 hours, and can decrease the need for a daily evening or afternoon dose. They can also help to keep from the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rates that are common with shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who take these medications may experience an "crash effect" when they stop taking them. This is typically characterized by a sudden and abrupt decrease in energy.
These medications can also trigger other side effects such as upset stomachs, appetite suppression and sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood swings, and sleep problems. In rare cases stimulants can cause tics to worsen. For instance, some children and adolescents who take ADHD medication have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These are usually mild and go away once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases, ADHD medications can delay growth in children and result in them being shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working but they don't produce the same sudden bursts of energy, and can help improve attention, focus and impulse control over time. Since they're not controlled substances they are less likely to be misused or cause substance abuse disorders. However, some individuals may be affected by an "crash", or rebound effect, when they suddenly stop using them.
Due to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and monitor the body's reactions to ensure that patients are receiving the correct dose. This is particularly true if they are treating a comorbid condition like anxiety or depression. This is why it's essential for people suffering from ADHD to visit a psychiatrist on a regular basis until they've found the right combination of medications and dosage. Talkiatry is an online psychiatry service that matches you with a specialist within a matter of days and can assist you in finding a psychiatrist to evaluate your mental health. They can also help you decide if you should add ADHD medication.