ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants boost the 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.
Teens and children who don't take their ADHD medication often experience more severe symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of following their doctors' advice.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used type of medication that doctors employ to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They are used to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, such as dopamine or norepinephrine. adhd medication ritalin helps people focus and decreases impulsive behavior. Approximately 80% of people suffering from ADHD who take the right dosage have less symptoms.
FDA-approved stimulants include those in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug class. The FDA has approved them as first-line treatment for ADHD because of the decades of research that have shown robust response rates, safety, tolerability, and low adverse effects throughout the life span. adhd medication ritalin 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 forms or formulations. The most popular type of stimulant prescribed to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines and atomoxetine as well as amphetamines are also available.
Some long-acting versions of these drugs last for up to 16 hours and could decrease the need for an afternoon or evening dose. They can also help to avoid the rapid increase in blood pressure and heart rate that could occur when taking shorter-acting stimulants. Some people who are taking these drugs might suffer from a "crash effect" when they stop taking them. This is characterized by a sudden and abrupt decrease in energy.
These medications can cause additional side effects like upset stomachs or appetite suppression, as well as sleep issues. adhd treatment medication can also cause dry mouth, mood swings and sleep issues. In rare cases stimulants can cause tics to worsen. For instance certain adolescents and children taking ADHD medicine have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually mild, and disappear after the body is accustomed to the medication. In rare instances, ADHD medications can delay growth in young people and cause them to be smaller than their peers.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to get started however they don't trigger the same sudden bursts energy and can boost attention, focus and impulse control over time. Because they're not controlled substances they are less likely to be misused or lead to addiction disorders. However, some individuals might suffer the "crash", or rebound effect, after they stop using these medications.
Due to the complexity of ADHD, healthcare providers prescribe multiple medications and keep track of the body's responses to ensure that patients are receiving the correct dose. This is especially important if the healthcare provider is treating a comorbid illness such as depression or anxiety. This is why it's essential for people suffering from ADHD to see an psychiatric specialist on a regular basis until they've found the right combination of medications and dosage. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who will assess your mental health and help you decide if it's time to try add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a doctor within a matter of days.