ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals that control behavior. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. They can also be prescribed to treat symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Kids and teens who don't take their ADHD medication often experience more severe symptoms. That's why they need to be aware of the importance of following doctors and their instructions.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. Around 80% of people suffering from ADHD who take the right dose experience fewer symptoms.
The majority of stimulants belong to the amphetamine or methylphenidate drug classes and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. They are considered first-line treatments for the disorder due to decades of research showing robust response rates, good tolerability and safety across the lifespan, and a low rate of adverse effects. They are non-habit forming and there is very little evidence to suggest that they cause an addiction 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.
The drugs are available in a variety of forms or formulations. Methylphenidate pills are among the most commonly prescribed stimulant used to treat ADHD as amphetamines as well as atomoxetine are available.
Some long-acting stimulants last for as long as 16 hours and may reduce the requirement for a daily afternoon dose. They also can help prevent the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that are common with shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who are taking these medications might experience what is called a "crash" effect after they stop the medication, which is typically a abrupt decrease in energy that can be difficult to cope with.
These medications can also trigger other side effects, such as upset stomach, appetite suppression and sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood changes, and sleep problems. In rare instances stimulants can exacerbate tics. For instance that some adolescents and children who are taking ADHD medicine have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually minor, and disappear when the body has adjusted to the medication. In rare instances, ADHD medications can delay growth in children and cause them to be smaller than their peers.
Non-stimulant medicines take longer to begin working, but they don't cause the same sudden bursts energy and can improve concentration, focus and control over time. Since treating adhd without medication controlled substances, they are less likely to be misused or to lead to substance abuse disorders. However, some individuals might be affected by an "crash" or rebound effect, when they suddenly stop using the drugs.
Due to the complexity of ADHD medical professionals prescribe multiple medications and track the body's reactions to ensure a person is getting the correct dosage. This is particularly true if they are treating a comorbid illness like anxiety or depression. For this reason, it's important for a person with ADHD to see regularly with a psychiatrist on an ongoing basis until they've found the right combination of medications and dosage. Talkiatry, an online psychiatry service that can match you with a provider within a matter of days will help you locate a psychiatrist who can assess your mental health. They can also help you decide if you should add ADHD medication.