ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants raise levels of brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also include them in treatment for depression or anxiety.
Teens and children who don't take their ADHD medications often have worse 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 use to treat ADHD in children and adults. They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This allows people to focus better and lessens impulse-driven behavior. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dose experience fewer ADHD symptoms.
FDA-approved stimulants include those in amphetamine and methylphenidate drug class. The FDA has approved them as the first-line treatment for ADHD due to of decades of research that have demonstrated high response rates, tolerability, safety and low adverse reactions throughout the life span. They are also non-habit-forming, and there is no 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 among the most commonly prescribed stimulant used to treat ADHD, while amphetamines as well as atomoxetine are available.
Some long-acting versions of these drugs last for up to 16 hours and may reduce the requirement for an evening or afternoon dose. They also help keep from the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that can occur with shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who are taking these medications might experience what is called a "crash" effect after they stop the medication, which typically involves a very rapid decrease in energy levels and is difficult to deal with.
Taking these medications can cause other adverse effects, such as an upset stomach, a decrease in appetite sleep issues, dry mouth and some mood swings. In rare cases, stimulants can cause tics that get worse. Some adolescents and children who are taking ADHD medication experience an increase in eye blinking, or throat clearing. These are usually not severe and will go away when the body adjusts to the medication. In content , ADHD medications can delay growth in young people and result in them being smaller than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to get started however they don't trigger the same sudden bursts of energy and can boost concentration, focus and control over time. They're not controlled substances, so they are less likely to be abused or cause substance use disorders, but some people may cause a "crash" or rebound effect if they suddenly stop taking these medications.
Because ADHD can be a complex condition, healthcare providers usually prescribe several medications and monitor the body's reactions to ensure they are receiving the correct amount. This is especially important in the case of a healthcare professional treating a comorbid illness like depression or anxiety. It is important that anyone suffering from ADHD consults with a psychiatrist on a regular basis until they find the right dosage and medication. If you're in search of 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 can connect you with a specialist within days.
