ADHD Medication
Medication is often a part of an ADHD treatment program. The two most popular stimulant drugs are dextroamphetamine as well as the methylphenidate. Each of these has many brand names and each has a different chemical make-up.
Stimulants stimulate brain chemicals that help transmit messages between neurons. These are the first medication that healthcare professionals usually test for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Most doctors prescribe stimulants as the first medication for ADHD. They work by increasing levels of a certain chemical in the brain, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These chemicals aid in improving concentration, decrease aggression, and help promote calmness. Doctors often use amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or atomoxetine, which belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to treat ADHD. Although serious heart problems are rare, doctors can closely monitor patients with heart conditions when they take stimulants.
adhd treatment medication is typically the most effective treatment for ADHD particularly in children and adolescents. These medications boost the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which aids in their ability to concentrate and learn. These drugs also promote energy and wakefulness. Studies have shown that when used as directed, these drugs can significantly improve school performance. However, many experts are concerned that students who use stimulants for prolonged periods of time can develop a tolerance and may require higher doses. They may also trigger negative side effects, including fluctuations in appetite, trouble sleeping, anxiety, or depression.
Doctors who recommend ADHD medication usually start with a small dose and then gradually increase the dosage over a couple of weeks. They will want parents and you to be aware of the positive and negative effects of the medication. If the medicine doesn't appear to be working or causes adverse side effects that you aren't able to deal with, your doctor might try another medicine.
The majority of children and adults who use stimulant medications have at least a few side effects. The majority of them are mild and disappear after some time or weeks as the body gets used to the medication. Some of the more frequent adverse effects include the loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a fast heart rate.
Certain studies have found that those who take stimulant medications for ADHD are more prone to tics. These are repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or a throat clearing. These drugs do not cause tics, but make them more noticeable. ADHD medications may also cause changes in mood or voice and headaches, stomach upset and occasionally an increase or decrease in blood pressure or heartbeat.
A few nonstimulant medications--including Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine)--have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. These medications act differently than stimulants, boosting the levels of norepinephrine, an additional brain chemical that assists with concentration and impulse control. They can help reduce depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders symptoms. They are less harmful than stimulants, but do not work as well to treat ADHD symptoms. Your doctor may recommend you try these medications if you have bipolar disorder or depression that is associated with ADHD. They may also recommend psychosocial treatment to manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.