ADHD Medications 101 The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
ADHD Medications – Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments Stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also include them in treatments for depression or anxiety. Kids and teens who don't take their ADHD medication often experience more severe symptoms. It's important that they understand the importance of following their medical advice. Stimulants The most frequently used medication by healthcare providers to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. They are used to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, such as dopamine or norepinephrine. This helps people focus and decreases impulsive behavior. About 80percent of ADHD sufferers who take the right dose experience fewer ADHD 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 the decades of studies that have demonstrated high response rates, tolerability, and low adverse effects throughout the life span. They are also non-habit-forming, and there is no evidence to suggest they cause substance use 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 forms or formulations. treating adhd without medication are among the most frequently prescribed stimulant for treating ADHD as amphetamines as well as atomoxetine are available. Some of the long-acting versions drugs last for up to 16 hours and may decrease the need for an evening or afternoon dose. They also help keep from the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate 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 sharp decrease in energy. The use of these drugs can trigger other adverse effects, such as upset stomach, appetite suppression, sleep problems dry mouth, and mood changes. In rare instances, stimulants may worsen tics. Some children and adolescents who take ADHD medication may experience increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually mild and they disappear once the body has adjusted to the medication. In rare cases ADHD medication can cause children to be slower growing and shorter than their peers. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working but they don't produce the same sudden bursts energy, and can help improve concentration, attention and control over time. They're not controlled substances, which means they are less likely to be abused or cause drug abuse disorders, however certain people can have the “crash” or rebound effect if they suddenly stop taking these medications. Because ADHD can be a complex condition, healthcare providers usually prescribe multiple medications and track the body's reactions to ensure they are receiving the right amount. This is especially true in the case of treating a co-occurring condition like anxiety or depression. For this reason, it's important for a person with ADHD to visit an psychiatric specialist on a regular basis until they've found the right combination of medications and dosage. If you're looking for an expert psychiatrist who can assess your mental health and assist you in deciding whether to consider adding ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that will connect you with a doctor within days.