ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals that control behavior. 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 are often afflicted with more symptoms. That's why they need to be aware of the importance of following doctors and their instructions.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication healthcare providers employ to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This allows people to focus better and lessens impulse-driven behavior. About 90% of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dosage are less prone to ADHD symptoms.
The majority of stimulants belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as a first-line treatments for ADHD because of the decades of research which have proven their effectiveness in response rates, safety, tolerability and low adverse reactions across the lifespan. Iampsychiatry 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.
The drugs are available in a variety of forms or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are among the most commonly prescribed form of stimulant for treating ADHD amphetamines and atomoxetine are both available.
Some of the long-acting ones last up to 16 hour and could reduce the need for a daily dose of afternoon. They can also help to prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rates that are common with shorter-acting stimulants. Some people who take these medications might experience what's known as a "crash" effect after they stop the medication, which usually results in a rapid decrease in energy levels and can be difficult to cope with.
These medications can cause other side effects, including nausea suppression, stomach upset, sleep problems, dry mouth and some mood changes. In rare instances stimulants can cause tics to get worse. For example, some children and adolescents who take ADHD medication have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually mild, and disappear after the body has adjusted to the medication. In rare cases, ADHD medications can delay growth in young people and cause them to be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to get started however they don't trigger the same sudden bursts of energy, and can help improve attention, focus and impulse control over time. They're not controlled substances, therefore they are less likely to be misused or cause substance use disorders, but certain people may cause the "crash" or rebound effect if they suddenly stop taking these medications.
Due to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and keep track of the body's reactions to ensure a person is getting the correct dosage. This is particularly true if the healthcare provider is treating a comorbid condition like depression or anxiety. It is essential for people suffering from ADHD to see an psychiatric specialist on a regular basis until they find the correct combination of medication and dosage. If you're looking for a psychiatrist who can evaluate your mental health and assist you in deciding whether to try add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a specialist within a matter of days.