ADHD Medication
The use of medication is usually a component of an ADHD treatment strategy. The two most common stimulant medications are dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate. Each of these has many brands and each has a distinct chemical composition.
Stimulants increase brain chemicals that aid in transmitting messages between neurons. These are the first medication that healthcare providers usually try for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the first medications that doctors prescribe for ADHD. They increase levels of certain brain chemicals dopamine, norepinephrine and norepinephrine. These chemicals aid in improving concentration, decrease aggression, and help promote calmness. Doctors often use amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or Atomoxetine, a class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors for treating ADHD. Heart-related heart problems that are serious are not common, but doctors may monitor people with heart problems closely when they take stimulants.
Stimulant medications are typically the most effective treatment for ADHD particularly for adolescents and children. These medications increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which aids in their ability to concentrate and learn. These drugs also increase energy and arousal. Studies have shown that when used as directed the drugs can dramatically improve school performance. However, many experts worry that students who take stimulants for long periods of time may develop a tolerance to them and may require more doses. They may also cause negative side effects such as changes in appetite, sleep issues, anxiety, or depression.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication typically start with a small dose and then gradually increase the amount over a few weeks. You and your parents will be asked to keep track of the side effects and benefits of the medication. If the medication doesn't appear to be working or has unwanted side effects that you're not able to deal with, your doctor might look into a different medicine.
Most kids and adults who are taking stimulant medications have at least a few adverse effects. Most of these are mild and will disappear after some time or weeks as the body adjusts to the drug. The most commonly reported side effects are weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and an increased heart rate.
Certain studies have found that those who are taking stimulant drugs for ADHD are more likely to develop tics. non stimulant adhd medication are repetitive movements or noises like eye blinking or a throat clearing. These medications do not cause tics, but make them more apparent. ADHD medications can also trigger some changes in voice and headaches, stomach upset, and sometimes 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 - an important brain chemical that assists to regulate attention and impulses. They can also reduce anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder symptoms. They are less harmful than stimulants, but don't work as well to treat ADHD symptoms. Your doctor may recommend you try one of these medications if you have depression or bipolar disorder along with ADHD. They may also suggest psychosocial treatment to manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.