ADHD Medication
Medication is usually a part of an ADHD therapy program. The two most common stimulant drugs are dextroamphetamine as well as the methylphenidate. Each of these stimulant medications comes with a variety of brands and each one has a distinct chemical makeup.
Stimulants stimulate brain chemicals that help transmit messages between neurons. These are the first medication that healthcare providers usually try for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Most doctors prescribe stimulants as the first medication for ADHD. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemical dopamine, norepinephrine and norepinephrine. These chemicals aid in improving concentration, decrease aggressive behavior, and promote calmness. Doctors often prescribe amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or Atomoxetine, a class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, to treat ADHD. Heart-related heart problems that are serious are not common, but doctors may monitor people with heart problems closely when they take stimulants.
adhd medication pregnancy are usually the most effective treatment for ADHD particularly for adolescents and children. These medications increase brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which help them concentrate, focus, and learn. They also boost energy and promote the state of being awake. These drugs, when taken according to the prescription, can improve school performance. However, many experts fear that students who use stimulants for long periods of time can develop a tolerance and then require greater doses. They can also cause adverse side effects, like changes in appetite, difficulties sleeping, anxiety, or depression.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication typically begin by prescribing a low dose, and then gradually increase the dosage over a couple of weeks. Your parents and you will be asked to track the side effects and benefits of the medication. If the medicine doesn't seem to be working, or causes adverse side effects that you aren't able to deal with, your doctor may try another medicine.
The majority of children and adults who are taking stimulant medications experience some adverse effects. The majority of them are mild, and they go away within a few weeks or days as the body becomes used to the medication. Some of the more common side effects are weight loss, trouble sleeping, and a high heart rate.
Some studies have revealed that those who use stimulant medications for ADHD are more likely to suffer from tics that are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications do not cause tics, but they make them more apparent. ADHD medication can cause a change in mood or voice as well as stomach upset, headaches and sometimes an increase or decrease in blood pressure or heartbeat.
A few nonstimulant medications--including Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine)--have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. These medications act differently than the stimulants, increasing the levels of norepinephrine. It is another brain chemical that assists with concentration and impulse control. They can help reduce anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder 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 may suggest that you take these medications. They might also suggest psychosocial therapy to help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.