ADHD Medication
Medication is often an integral part of an ADHD treatment program. The two most popular stimulant drugs are dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate. Each of these stimulant medications has many different brand names and each has a distinct chemical composition.
Stimulants work by increasing levels of brain chemicals, which help send messages between neurons. These are usually the first medications healthcare providers consider for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the first medications that doctors prescribe for ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine, which help improve focus, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior and boost peace. Amphetamines, including methylphenidate, or atomoxetine (which is part of the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors) are frequently prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. Serious heart-related complications are rare, but doctors may examine patients with heart issues closely while taking stimulants.
Stimulant medication is typically the most effective treatment for ADHD particularly for adolescents and children. These medications increase brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that help people focus, concentrate and learn. They also boost energy and promote alertness. These drugs, when taken as prescribed will improve school performance. However, many experts are concerned that students who take stimulants for prolonged periods of time may develop a tolerance to them and begin to need more doses. They may also trigger negative side effects, including changes in appetite, difficulties sleeping, anxiety, or depression.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication will usually start with a small dose and gradually increase it over a period of several weeks. You and your parents will be asked to keep track of the side effects and benefits of the medication. If uk adhd medication doesn't appear to be working, or causes adverse side effects that you aren't able to deal with, your doctor may consider a different medication.
The majority of people who are taking stimulant medications experience some adverse reactions. The majority of them are mild and will disappear within several days or weeks as the body gets used to the medication. Some of the more common side effects are the loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a fast heart rate.
Certain studies have found that people who take stimulant medications for ADHD are more likely to experience tics which are repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. These drugs do not cause tics, but they make them more apparent. ADHD medications can also cause occasional changes in voice and 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 boost the levels of norepinephrine - a brain chemical that helps control attention and impulses. They can help reduce depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders symptoms. They are less harmful than stimulants, but don't work as well to treat ADHD symptoms. If you also have bipolar disorder or depression your doctor may recommend that you try these drugs. They might also suggest psychosocial treatment to manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.