Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but it won't cure the symptoms. It may take time to find the perfect medication and dosage for you or your child. Communication that is honest and open with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
These drugs are the first treatment for both children and adults with ADHD. They increase the levels neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which affect the ability to focus, attention, and movement. About 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD experience improvement in their symptoms once they have found the right stimulant and dosage.
Doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates (including Atomoxetine, Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for children and teens with ADHD. They also may prescribe amphetamines, which are much more effective in adults and produce fewer side effects. Stimulants alter two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. Heart-related patients need to be monitored closely when taking stimulants.
Many children and adults who take stimulants may experience some side effects. But most of the time the side effects disappear after a few weeks, or less. If they don't, speak to your doctor about changing the medication or locating an alternative that is better for you or your child.
The most common stimulant-related side effects are loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Some people experience changes in their personality. Some may experience a worsening of depression or anxiety, which is why it is crucial to consult with an expert in mental health before taking stimulant medication for ADHD.
adhd and medication increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause people feel uneasy or anxious. They can also trigger stomachaches, headaches and loss of appetite. They can also increase the risk of using substances. Stimulants are not habit-forming in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD however, they could cause addiction if misused or taken in large doses.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to work and does not last as long as stimulants. However, they can enhance focus and attention, and reduce the impulsivity. They are primarily made up of antidepressants and work on norepinephrine, a brain chemical. They can be prescribed as a single medication or as a combination with stimulants, especially when someone is suffering from depression and anxiety in addition to ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students who suffer from ADHD who are treated with medication have revealed that they can attain GPAs similar to their peers if they follow a good set of habits of study. In fact an earlier study found that, in a study of more than 90 college students suffering from ADHD students who took medication to control their symptoms saw their grades improve by an average of one letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two drug classes amphetamines or methylphenidates. Amphétamines are more prone to be abused and eventually become dependent than methylphenidates. The newer, longer acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin), and bupropion have less risk for abuse and dependence. Some people supplement with a long-acting drug taken once daily with an immediate-release dose between mid- to late afternoon to limit fluctuations in their concentration. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart shows the class of medication, the brand name, generic name, and length of the action.