ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
The stimulants increase brain chemicals that control behaviour. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also use them in treatments for depression or anxiety.
Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medication typically experience more severe symptoms. That's why they need to understand the importance of following their doctors and their instructions.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. They are used to increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps people focus more effectively and decreases the tendency to be impulsive. About 90% of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dose experience fewer ADHD symptoms.
The majority of stimulants fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. They are considered first-line treatments for the disorder because of years of research that has demonstrated high response rates, good tolerability and safety throughout life and a low risk of adverse effects. They are also non-habit-forming, and there isn't any evidence that they cause a 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. Methylphenidate pills are the most frequently prescribed stimulant to treat ADHD amphetamines and atomoxetine are also available.
Some of the long-acting versions drugs last for up to 16 hours, and can reduce the requirement for an evening or afternoon dose. They can also help to prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rates that can occur with shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who are taking these drugs may experience what's known as a "crash" effect after they stop the medication, which typically involves a very rapid decrease in energy levels and may be difficult to deal with.
These medications can cause additional side effects like upset stomachs, appetite suppression and sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood swings, and sleep problems. In rare instances stimulants can cause tics to worsen. Some adolescents and children who take ADHD medication may experience increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually minor, and disappear after the body is accustomed to the medication. In rare cases ADHD medication can cause young people to slow down their growth and become shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medications require more time to work, but they do not generate the same surges of energy. They also help improve attention, focus, and control of impulses over time. They're not controlled substances, so they are less likely to be misused or cause substance use disorders, but certain people could cause the "crash" or rebound effect if they suddenly stop taking them.
Because ADHD is a complicated condition healthcare professionals typically prescribe a variety of medications and keep track of the person's bodily reactions to make sure they are receiving the right amount. adult adhd medication uk is particularly true if the healthcare provider is treating a comorbid disorder such as anxiety or depression. This is why it's essential for people suffering from ADHD to see an psychiatric specialist on a regular basis until they have found the right combination of medications and dosage. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who can evaluate your mental health and help you decide whether to consider adding ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can match you with a doctor within a matter of days.