ADHD Medication
Medication is often an integral part of an ADHD treatment program. The most frequently used stimulant medications are methylphenidate as well as dextro-amphetamine. Each of these medications has numerous brand names and has a distinct chemical composition.
Stimulants boost brain chemicals that help transmit messages between neurons. They are the first drugs that healthcare professionals usually test for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the first medications most doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, that help improve focus, reduce impulsive behavior, and promote calmness. Amphetamines such as methylphenidate or atomoxetine (which is part of the class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors) are frequently prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. While serious heart issues are rare, doctors can closely monitor people with heart conditions when they take stimulants.
ADHD is typically treated adhd medications by taking stimulant medications particularly for children and adolescents. These drugs increase the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that help people concentrate, focus, and learn. These drugs also promote the ability to stay awake and alert. Studies have shown that when taken as directed, these drugs can significantly improve school performance. However, many experts fear that students who take stimulants for prolonged periods of time may develop a tolerance to them and begin to need more doses. They can also cause negative side effects like changes in appetite, sleep disorders and depression.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication will usually start with a small dose and gradually increase it over a period of a few weeks. They'll ask parents and you to watch for the benefits and side effects of the medication. If the medication does not appear to be working or has side effects that you cannot cope with Your doctor may suggest another drug.
The majority of kids and adults who take stimulant medications have at least a few adverse effects. Most of these are mild and go away within a few days or weeks when the body is used to the medication. Some of the most common side effects are the loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a rapid heart rate.
Certain studies have found that those who take stimulant medication for ADHD are more likely to develop tics. These are repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. These drugs do not cause tics, but they do make them more visible. ADHD medication can cause a change in mood or voice as well as stomach upset, headaches and occasionally an increase or decrease in blood pressure or heartbeat.
A few nonstimulant medications--including Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine)--have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. These medications act differently than the stimulants, increasing the levels of norepinephrine. It is another brain chemical that helps with the control of impulses and attention. They can reduce anxiety, depression and bipolar symptoms of bipolar disorder. They are less harmful than stimulants, but don't work as well to treat ADHD symptoms. If you also have depression or bipolar disorder, your doctor may suggest that you try these drugs. They may also recommend psychosocial treatments to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.