ADHD Medication
The use of medication is usually a component of an ADHD treatment program. The two most popular stimulant medications are dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate. Each of these medications has numerous brands and each has a different chemical makeup.
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals that help pass messages between neurons. inattentive adhd medication are typically the first drugs that healthcare professionals try for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the first medications most doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, including norepinephrine and dopamine. These help improve focus, reduce the impulsive behavior, and increase peace. Amphetamines such as methylphenidate or atomoxetine (which is part of the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors) are often prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. Although serious heart complications are not common, doctors will closely monitor those suffering from heart issues when they take stimulants.
Stimulant drugs are usually the most effective treatment for ADHD particularly in adolescents and children. These medications boost brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which aids in their ability to concentrate and learn. They also boost energy and increase the amount of the state of being awake. When taken as prescribed can boost school performance. However, many experts worry that students who use stimulants for prolonged durations can develop a tolerance and begin to need more doses. They can also cause negative side effects, such as changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety or depression.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication usually begin with a low dosage and gradually increase it over a period of a few weeks. They'll want parents and you to be aware of the benefits and side effects of the medicine. If the medicine doesn't seem to be working or has side effects you can't cope with, your doctor might look into a different medicine.
Most kids and adults who are taking stimulant medication experience at least some side effects. Most of them are mild and disappear within a few weeks or days as the body becomes familiar with the drug. Some of the more frequent adverse effects include the loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a rapid heart rate.
Some studies have revealed that people who take stimulant medication for ADHD are more likely to suffer from tics which are repetitive sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. However, these medications don't cause tics; they make them more noticeable. ADHD medications can also cause changes in voice or mood, headaches, stomach upset and sometimes an increase or decrease in heart rate or blood pressure.
A few nonstimulant medications--including Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine)--have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. These medications work differently than stimulants. They boost the levels of norepinephrine which is a brain chemical that helps manage attention and impulses. They can help reduce anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders symptoms. They are less harmful than stimulants, but do not work as well to treat ADHD symptoms. If you suffer from depression or bipolar disorder, your doctor may suggest that you try these drugs. They may also recommend psychosocial treatments to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.