ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants boost brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors often prescribe them to treat ADHD symptoms. most effective adhd medication for adults I Am Psychiatry may also be used to treat symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Children and teens who don't take their ADHD medication are often afflicted with more symptoms. It's important that they understand the importance of following their doctors' advice.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication healthcare providers employ to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They help by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain such as dopamine or norepinephrine. This helps people focus better and reduces the tendency to be impulsive. Around 80% of people who suffer from ADHD who are taking the right dosage have less symptoms.
FDA-approved stimulants include those in amphetamine and methylphenidate drug class. They are considered to be the first-line treatment for the disorder due to decades of research that has shown high response rates as well as a high degree of tolerability and security throughout life and a low risk of adverse effects. They are not habit-forming and there is very little evidence to suggest that they cause an addiction 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.
These drugs are available in various varieties or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are among the most commonly prescribed form of stimulant for treating ADHD as amphetamines and atomoxetine are also available.
Some of the long-acting ones last for as long as 16 hours and may reduce the requirement for a daily afternoon dose. They also can help prevent the rapid change in blood pressure and heart rate that could be experienced when taking stimulants with shorter durations of action. Some people who use these medications may experience a "crash effect" when they stop taking them. This is typically characterized by a sudden, sharp drop in energy.
These medications can cause other side effects, including upset stomach, appetite suppression sleep issues dry mouth, and mood changes. In rare instances stimulants can cause tics to worsen. For instance that some adolescents and children who take ADHD medicine have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. They are usually minor and will go away when the body adjusts to the medication. In rare instances, ADHD medications can delay growth in children and result in them being shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working but they don't produce the same sudden bursts energy, and can help improve attention, focus and impulse control over time. Since they aren't controlled substances, they are less likely be misused or to lead to addiction disorders. However, some individuals might suffer the "crash", or rebound effect, after they suddenly stop taking them.
Because ADHD is a complicated condition, healthcare providers usually prescribe multiple medications and track the body's reactions to make sure they are receiving the correct amount. This is especially important when the healthcare professional is treating a comorbid disorder like depression or anxiety. It is important that a person with ADHD visits a psychiatrist regularly until they find the right dosage and medication. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who will assess your mental health and assist you in deciding whether to add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a specialist within days.