adhd medications for adults - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat ADHD symptoms. They can also incorporate them in treatments for anxiety or depression.
Children and teens who don't take their ADHD medication typically experience more severe symptoms. It's important that they understand the importance of taking their medical advice.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular kind of medication that healthcare professionals employ to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They help by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This allows people to focus better and reduces impulsive behavior. Around 80% of people with ADHD who take the right dosage experience less symptoms.
The majority of stimulants belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. They are considered the first-line treatment for the disorder due to decades of research that has shown high response rates, good tolerability and safety throughout life as well as a low incidence of adverse reactions. 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 types or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are the most commonly prescribed form of stimulant for treating ADHD amphetamines and atomoxetine are also available.
Some long-acting stimulants last up to 16 hour and may reduce the requirement for a daily dose in the afternoon. They also can help prevent the rapid increase in blood pressure and heart rate that may occur when taking shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who are taking these medications might experience what's known as a "crash" effect after they stop taking the medication, which typically involves a very rapid decrease in energy levels and is difficult to deal with.
These medications can also trigger other side effects, such as upset stomach, appetite suppression and sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood changes and sleep issues. In rare instances, stimulants may worsen tics. Children and adolescents who take ADHD medication may experience an increase in eye blinking, or throat clearing. These are usually mild and disappear once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases ADHD medication can cause children to grow slower and be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medicines require more time to work, but they do not generate the same surges of energy. They can also improve attention, focus, and control of impulses over time. They're not controlled substances, therefore they are less likely to be misused or lead to drug abuse disorders, however certain people may cause the "crash" or rebound effect when they abruptly stop taking them.
Because ADHD can be complicated healthcare professionals typically prescribe multiple medications and track the person's bodily reactions to ensure they are receiving the right amount. This is particularly true when the healthcare professional is treating a comorbid illness like depression or anxiety. It is important for a person with ADHD to consult regularly with a psychiatrist on an ongoing basis until they have found the correct combination of medication and dosage. If you're looking for an expert psychiatrist who can assess your mental health and help you decide whether to try add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that will connect you with a specialist within days.