ADHD Medication
The use of medication is usually part of an ADHD therapy plan. The most commonly used stimulant drugs are methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine. Each of these stimulant medications comes with a variety of brand names, and each has a distinct chemical makeup.
Stimulants work by increasing levels of brain chemicals, which help send messages between neurons. These are usually the first drugs that healthcare professionals consider for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the first drugs that doctors prescribe for ADHD. They function by increasing levels of a certain chemical in the brain, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These chemicals aid in improving concentration, decrease aggression, and help promote peace. Amphetamines such as methylphenidate or atomoxetine (which is in the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors) are frequently prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. Heart-related complications that cause heart attacks are uncommon however, doctors can be able to monitor patients with heart problems closely while taking stimulants.
ADHD is typically treated most efficiently with stimulant medication, especially for children and adolescents. These medications boost brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which help them concentrate, focus and learn. They also boost energy and improve alertness. When taken according to add adhd medications , can improve school performance. However, many experts worry that students who use stimulants for prolonged periods of time can develop a tolerance and then require higher doses. They can also cause adverse side effects, like fluctuations in appetite, trouble sleeping, anxiety, or depression.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication typically start with a low dosage and gradually increase it over a period of a few weeks. They'll ask you and your parents to monitor the positive and negative effects of the medication. If the medicine does not seem to work or has side effects that you aren't able to handle Your doctor may suggest other medications.
The majority of kids and adults who take stimulant medications have at the very least some side effects. Most of them are minor and will disappear within a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. Some of the most common side effects include a the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increased heart rate.
Certain studies have revealed that people who take stimulant medication for ADHD are more susceptible to tics. These are repetitive movements or noises such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These drugs don't cause tics, but they do make them more apparent. ADHD medications can also cause occasional changes in voice, headaches, stomach upset and, occasionally, increase or decrease blood pressure or heart rate.
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 increase the levels of norepinephrine - an important brain chemical that assists manage attention and impulses. They can also reduce depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder symptoms. They are less harmful than stimulants, but don't work as well to treat ADHD symptoms. Your doctor might suggest you consider one of these drugs for bipolar disorder or depression that is associated with ADHD. They may also recommend psychosocial treatment to help manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.