ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
The stimulants increase brain chemicals that control behaviour. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also use them in treatment for depression or anxiety.
Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medication typically experience more severe symptoms. That's why they need to understand the importance of following doctors' instructions.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in adults and children is stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. About 80% of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dosage have fewer ADHD symptoms.
The majority of stimulants fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as the first-line treatment for ADHD due to of decades of research which have proven their effectiveness in response rates, safety, tolerability, and low adverse effects across the entire lifespan. They are also not habit-forming and there is no evidence that they cause a substance use 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 types or formulations. non prescription adhd medication uk are the most commonly prescribed stimulant used to treat ADHD as amphetamines and atomoxetine are both available.
Some of the long-acting versions medications last for up to 16 hours and may decrease the need for a daily afternoon or evening dose. They also can help prevent the rapid increase in blood pressure and heart rate that can occur when taking stimulants that have a shorter acting. Certain people who take these drugs might suffer from a "crash effect" when they stop taking them. This is characterized by a sudden and abrupt reduction in energy.
These medications can cause other side effects, such as upset stomachs as well as appetite suppression and sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood changes, and sleep problems. In rare instances stimulants can exacerbate tics. Some children and adolescents who take ADHD medication experience an increase in eye blinking, or throat clearing. These are usually not severe and go away once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare instances, ADHD medications can delay growth in young people and result in them being smaller than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working but they don't produce the same sudden bursts energy and can improve attention, focus and impulse control over time. They're not controlled substances, so they are less likely to be misused or cause substance use disorders, but some people can have the "crash" or rebound effect if they suddenly stop taking these medications.
Due to the complexity of ADHD healthcare professionals prescribe multiple medications and monitor the body's reactions to ensure that patients are receiving the right dosage. This is particularly true when the healthcare professional is treating a comorbid illness like depression or anxiety. This is why it's important for a person with ADHD to consult an psychiatric specialist on a regular basis until they've found the right combination of medications and dosage. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who will assess your mental health and help you decide whether to add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a doctor within days.