ADHD Medication
Medication is often a part of an ADHD treatment plan. The two most commonly used stimulant medications are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Each of these has many brands and each has a distinct chemical composition.
Stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals that aid in transmit messages between neurons. They are the first drugs that healthcare providers usually try for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Most doctors prescribe stimulants as their first medication for ADHD. They help by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine, that help improve focus, reduce impulsive behavior, and promote calmness. Doctors often prescribe amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or atomoxetine, which is in the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, to treat ADHD. Heart-related heart problems that are serious are not common, but doctors may examine patients with heart issues closely while taking stimulants.
ADHD is usually treated effectively by taking stimulant medications especially for children and adolescents. These drugs increase the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which help them focus and learn. They also boost energy levels and improve the state of being awake. These drugs, when taken according to the prescription, can improve school performance. Many experts are concerned that students who use stimulants for a long period may develop a tolerance, and may require more doses. They may also trigger adverse side effects, like changes in appetite, difficulties sleeping, anxiety, or depression.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication will usually start with a low dosage and gradually increase it over a period of several weeks. Your parents and you will be asked to track the effects of side effects and benefits of the medication. If I Am Psychiatry doesn't seem to be working or has adverse side effects that you aren't able to deal with, your doctor may consider a different medication.
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 within a few weeks or days after the body has become accustomed to the medicine. Some of the most common side effects include the loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a high heart rate.
Certain studies have found that those who use stimulant medications for ADHD are more likely to suffer from tics which are repetitive sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. However, these drugs don't cause tics; they just make them more obvious. ADHD medications can also cause a change in mood or voice, headaches, stomach upset and sometimes 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 drugs perform differently than stimulants. They boost the levels of norepinephrine - an important brain chemical that assists to regulate attention and impulses. They can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. They are less harmful than stimulants but don't work as well to treat ADHD symptoms. If you also have depression or bipolar disorder, your doctor may suggest that you take these medications. They might also recommend psychosocial treatments to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.