ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants increase brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors often prescribe these medications 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 medications typically have more severe symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of following their medical advice.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD in adults and children. does adhd medication work are used to increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases impulsive behavior. Approximately 80% of people with ADHD who are taking the right dose experience fewer symptoms.
FDA-approved stimulants include those in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug class. The FDA has approved them as first-line treatments for ADHD because of decades of research that have shown robust response rates, tolerability, safety and low adverse reactions across the lifespan. They are not habit-forming and there is very little evidence that they can cause a substance abuse 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. The most commonly used form of stimulant prescribed to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines, atomoxetine and amphetamines are also available.
Some long-acting versions last for as long as 16 hours and may reduce the requirement for a daily dose of afternoon. They can also help to avoid the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rates that are common with shorter-acting stimulants. Some people who take these medications may have what's known as a "crash" effect after they stop the medication, which is typically a rapid decrease in energy levels and can be difficult to cope with.
These medications can cause other side effects, including nausea suppression, stomach upset and sleep issues dry mouth, and mood changes. In rare instances, stimulants can cause tics that get worse. Some adolescents and children who are taking ADHD medication have increased eye blinking, or throat clearing. These are usually mild and disappear once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases, ADHD medications can delay growth in children and cause them to be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medicines require more time to work, but they do not generate the same surges of energy. They can also enhance focus, attention and impulse control over time. Because they're not controlled substances they are less likely be misused or to lead to substance abuse disorders. However, some individuals might experience the "crash" or rebound effect, if they suddenly stop using them.
Due to the complexity of ADHD, healthcare providers prescribe multiple medications and keep track of the body's reactions to ensure that a person is getting the correct dose. This is particularly true in the case of a healthcare professional treating a comorbid illness such as anxiety or depression. It is essential that someone suffering from ADHD visits a psychiatrist regularly until they can find the ideal dosage and combination of medications. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who can evaluate your mental health and help you decide if it's time to consider adding ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a specialist within a matter of days.