ADHD Medication
Medication is often a part of an ADHD treatment plan. The most frequently used stimulant medications are methylphenidate as well as dextro-amphetamine. Each of these stimulant drugs comes with a variety of brands and each has a unique chemical make-up.
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals that aid in transmit messages between neurons. These are the first medications that healthcare professionals usually test for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
The majority of doctors prescribe stimulants as the primary medication for ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which can improve focus, decrease impulsive behavior, and promote calmness. Doctors often use amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or atomoxetine, which belongs to the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for treating ADHD. Heart-related complications that cause heart attacks are uncommon, but doctors may examine patients with heart issues closely when they take stimulants.
Stimulant medication is typically the most effective treatment for ADHD, especially for adolescents and children. These medications increase brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which help them focus, concentrate, and learn. They also boost energy and increase the amount of wakefulness. Studies have proven that if taken in the right way they can significantly enhance school performance. However, many experts are concerned that students who use stimulants for prolonged periods of time can develop a tolerance to them and begin to need greater doses. They can also have negative side effects, such as changes in appetite, sleep problems, anxiety, or depression.
Doctors who recommend ADHD medication usually start with a low dosage and gradually increasing the amount over a few weeks. They'll ask you and your parents to be aware of the positive and negative effects of the medicine. If the medicine doesn't appear to be working or has adverse side effects that you aren't able to deal with, your doctor might consider a different medication.
Most kids and adults who are taking stimulant medication experience at the very least some adverse effects. Most of them are minor, and they go away within some weeks or days after the body has become accustomed to the medicine. Some of the more common side effects are weight loss, trouble sleeping, and a rapid heart rate.
Some studies have shown people who take stimulant medications for ADHD are more likely to develop tics. These are repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. However, these medications don't cause tics; they make them more noticeable. ADHD medication can cause changes in voice or mood, headaches, stomach upset and occasionally an increase or decrease in heartbeat or blood pressure.
A few nonstimulant medications--including Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine)--have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. These drugs act differently than the stimulants, increasing levels of norepinephrine. It is a different brain chemical that helps with concentration and impulse control. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. They are less harmful than stimulants but don't work as well to treat ADHD symptoms. Your doctor might suggest you try these medications in the event that you suffer from depression or bipolar disorder along with ADHD. They might also suggest psychosocial treatment to help manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.