ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also use them in treatment for anxiety or depression.
Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medications typically have more severe symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of taking the advice of their doctor.
Stimulants
The most common medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD in adults and children is stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps people focus and decreases impulsive behavior. Approximately 80% of people with ADHD who take the right dosage experience less symptoms.
The stimulants that have been approved by the FDA include those from the amphetamine and methylphenidate class. They are considered the first-line treatment for the disorder due to decades of research that has shown high response rates with good tolerability and safety across the lifespan, and a low rate of adverse reactions. They are also non-habit-forming, and there is little 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. The most commonly used form of stimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines, atomoxetine, and amphetamines are also available.
Some of the long-acting versions medications last up to 16 hours and may decrease the need for a daily evening or afternoon dose. They also help prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that are common with shorter-acting stimulants. how does medication for adhd work www.iampsychiatry.com who take these drugs might have an "crash effect" when they stop taking them. This is typically characterized by a sudden and sharp decrease in energy.
Taking these medications can cause additional side effects, including nausea suppression, stomach upset, sleep problems, dry mouth and some mood swings. In rare instances, stimulants can cause tics to worsen. For example certain adolescents and children who are taking ADHD medication experience increased eye blinking or throat clearing. They are usually minor and disappear once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare instances ADHD medication can cause children to grow slower and be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to get started but they don't produce the same sudden bursts energy and can boost concentration, focus and control over time. They're not controlled substances, which means they are less likely to be abused or cause substance use disorders, but some people can have an "crash" or rebound effect when they suddenly stop taking them.
Due to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and keep track of the body's responses to ensure that patients are receiving the correct dose. This is especially true when the healthcare professional is treating a comorbid illness like depression or anxiety. This is why it's important for a person with ADHD to visit a psychiatrist on a regular basis until they've found the correct combination of medication and dosage. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who will assess your mental health and help you decide whether to add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can match you with a doctor within a matter of days.