ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
The stimulants increase the brain chemicals that regulate behaviour. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also use them in treatment for depression or anxiety.
Children and teens who don't take their ADHD medication often experience worse symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of taking their medical advice.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common kind of medication that healthcare professionals use to treat ADHD in adults and children. They are used to increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This aids in concentration and reduces impulsive behaviors. Around 90% of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dosage experience fewer ADHD symptoms.
The majority of stimulants fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate drug classes and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as a first-line treatment 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. They are not habit-forming and there is very little evidence to suggest they could cause a substance abuse 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 forms or formulations. The most popular type of stimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines and atomoxetine as well as amphetamines are available too.
Some of the long-acting versions medications last for up to 16 hours and may reduce the requirement for an evening or afternoon dose. They also can help prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that are typical of shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who take these medications may have an "crash effect" when they stop taking them. This is characterized by a sudden, sharp reduction in energy.
These medications can cause additional side effects like upset stomach or appetite suppression, as well as sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood changes and sleep issues. In rare cases stimulants can cause tics to worsen. For linked website that some adolescents and children taking ADHD medication have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. They are usually minor and disappear once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare instances, ADHD medications can delay growth in young people and make them smaller than their peers.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working however they don't trigger the same sudden bursts of energy and can boost attention, focus and impulse control over time. They're not controlled substances, which means they are less likely to be misused or lead to addiction disorders. However, some people can have the "crash" or rebound effect when they suddenly stop taking these medications.
Due to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and track the body's reactions to ensure that the patient is receiving the correct dose. This is particularly true in the case of a healthcare professional treating a comorbid illness like depression or anxiety. It is important that anyone suffering from ADHD sees a psychiatrist regularly until they find the right dosage and medication. If you're looking for a psychiatrist who will assess your mental health and help you decide whether to consider adding ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a provider within days.