ADHD Medication
The use of medication is usually part of an ADHD treatment program. The most frequently used stimulant medications are methylphenidate as well as dextro-amphetamine. Each of these stimulant drugs has a variety of brands and each one has a distinct chemical composition.
Stimulants stimulate brain chemicals that aid in transmitting messages between neurons. They are typically the first drugs that healthcare professionals consider for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the primary medication most doctors prescribe for ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. These help improve focus, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior and boost calmness. Doctors frequently use amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or Atomoxetine, the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, to treat ADHD. Although serious heart problems are rare, doctors may closely monitor people with heart problems when they are taking stimulants.
ADHD is usually treated most effectively by taking stimulant medications, especially for children and adolescents. These medications boost brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which help them concentrate, focus and learn. They also boost energy levels and improve alertness. Studies have shown that when taken in the right way the drugs can dramatically improve school performance. However, many experts fear that students who take stimulants for prolonged periods of time may develop a tolerance to them and then require greater doses. They can also cause negative side effects like changes in appetite, sleep problems, anxiety, or depression.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication usually begin with a low dose and gradually increase it over a period of a few weeks. You and your parents will be asked to monitor the side effects and benefits of the medication. If the medicine does not appear to be working or has side effects that you cannot cope with Your doctor may suggest other medications.
The majority of people who are taking stimulant medications experience some adverse effects. Most of them are mild, and they go away within several weeks or days after the body has become used to the medication. Some of the most common adverse effects include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and a rapid heart rate.
Some studies have shown people who are taking stimulant drugs for ADHD are more susceptible to tics. These are repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking or throat clearing. But, adhd medication pregnancy do not cause tics; they make them more apparent. ADHD medications may also cause a change in mood or voice as well as stomach upset, headaches and occasionally an increase or decrease in heartbeat or blood pressure.
A few nonstimulant medications--including Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine)--have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. These medications act differently than stimulants, increasing levels of norepinephrine, a different brain chemical that aids in attention and impulse control. They can 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 are also suffering from bipolar disorder or depression Your doctor might suggest that you try these drugs. They might also suggest psychosocial treatment to manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.