ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants increase brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors often prescribe them to treat ADHD symptoms. They can also be prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medication typically experience more severe symptoms. It's important that they understand the importance of following their doctors' advice.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular kind of medication that healthcare professionals use to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They are used to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This allows people to focus more effectively and decreases impulsive behavior. About 90% of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dosage are less prone to ADHD symptoms.
Most stimulants are in the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as a the first-line treatment for ADHD due to of the decades of studies that have shown robust response rates, safety, tolerability, and low adverse effects throughout the life span. They are also non-habit-forming, and there is little evidence to suggest that 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.
The drugs are available in different types or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are among the most frequently prescribed stimulant to treat ADHD as amphetamines and atomoxetine are both available.
Some long-acting versions of these medications last for up to 16 hours and could decrease the need for an afternoon or evening dose. They also can help prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that could occur when taking stimulants that have a shorter acting. Some people who are taking these drugs might suffer from a "crash effect" when they stop taking them. add adhd medications Iampsychiatry is characterized by a sudden and sharp decrease in energy.
These medications can cause other side effects, such as stomach upset or appetite suppression, as well as sleep problems. They can also cause dry mouth, mood swings, and sleep problems. In rare cases stimulants can cause tics to worsen. For instance that some adolescents and children who are taking ADHD medicine have 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 medications can cause young people to grow slower and be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to get started, but they don't cause the same sudden bursts of energy, and can help improve concentration, focus and control over time. They're not controlled substances, which means they are less likely to be misused or cause drug abuse disorders, however certain people could cause a "crash" or rebound effect when they abruptly stop taking these medications.
Because ADHD is a complicated condition and can be a source of stress, doctors 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 comorbid condition such as depression or anxiety. It is crucial for anyone suffering from ADHD to consult a psychiatrist on a regular basis until they've found the right combination of medications and dosage. Talkiatry, an online psychiatry service that connects you with a doctor within a matter days, can help you find a psychiatrist who can assess your mental health. They can also help you decide if you should add ADHD medication.