ADHD Medication
The use of medication is usually part of an ADHD therapy plan. The two most common stimulant medications are dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate. Each of these stimulant medicines has a variety of brand names, and each has a unique chemical make-up.
Stimulants stimulate brain chemicals that help transmit messages between neurons. These are usually the first drugs that healthcare professionals consider for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the first medications most doctors prescribe for ADHD. They increase levels of certain brain chemicals dopamine, norepinephrine and norepinephrine. These chemicals aid in improving focus, reduce aggressive behavior, and promote calmness. Doctors often prescribe amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or atomoxetine, which belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors to treat ADHD. Serious heart-related complications are rare however, doctors can monitor people with heart problems closely while taking stimulants.
ADHD is typically treated most effectively by taking stimulant medications particularly for children and adolescents. These medications boost brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that help people concentrate, focus, and learn. They also boost energy levels and promote the state of being awake. Studies have proven that if taken in the right way the drugs can dramatically improve school performance. Many experts are worried that students who are taking stimulants for a long time may develop a tolerance, and may require greater doses. They can also have negative side effects such as changes in appetite, sleep issues, anxiety, or depression.
Doctors who recommend ADHD medication usually start with a low dose, and then gradually increase the dosage over a couple of weeks. Your parents and you will be asked to keep track of the effects on you and the benefits of the medication. If the medication does not appear to be working or has side effects that you cannot cope with, your physician might try another drug.
The majority of kids and adults who take stimulant medication experience at the very least some side effects. Most of them are minor, and they go away within several weeks or days as the body becomes familiar with the drug. Some of the more frequent side effects include weight loss, trouble sleeping, and a fast heart rate.
Certain studies have found that those who use stimulant medications for ADHD are more likely to have tics, which are repetitive sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. However, these medications don't cause tics, they simply make them more apparent. ADHD medications can also trigger some changes in voice or headaches, stomach aches, and sometimes increase or decrease blood pressure or heart rate.
A few nonstimulant medications--including Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine)--have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. adhd medication and pregnancy perform differently than stimulants. They boost the levels of norepinephrine which is the brain chemical that helps manage attention and impulses. They can also reduce depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders symptoms. They have fewer adverse effects than stimulants, but they aren't as effective at treating ADHD symptoms. Your doctor might suggest you consider one of these drugs in the event that you suffer from bipolar disorder or depression along with ADHD. They may also suggest psychosocial treatment to help manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.