ADHD Medication
The use of medication is usually part of an ADHD therapy strategy. The two most common stimulant drugs are dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate. Each of these medications has numerous brands and each has a distinct chemical composition.
Stimulants work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that help pass messages between neurons. They are the first drugs that healthcare providers usually try for people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
The majority of doctors prescribe stimulants as the primary medication for ADHD. They increase levels of certain brain chemicals, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These chemicals help improve focus, reduce aggressive behavior, and promote peace. Doctors often prescribe 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 those suffering from heart issues when they take stimulants.
Stimulant medications are typically the most effective treatment for ADHD particularly in children and adolescents. These medications increase brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that help people focus, concentrate, and learn. They also boost energy and promote the state of being awake. Studies have proven that if used as directed they can significantly enhance school performance. Many experts are concerned that students who use stimulants for a long time might develop a tolerance and need higher doses. They can also have negative side effects, such as changes in appetite, sleep issues and depression.
Doctors who recommend ADHD medication typically start with a low dosage and gradually increasing the dosage over a few weeks. They'll ask you and your parents to watch for the advantages and adverse effects of the medication. If the medicine doesn't appear to be working, or causes adverse side effects that you aren't able to deal with, your doctor may consider a different medication.
The majority of children and adults who are taking stimulant medication experience at least a few side effects. Most of them are minor and disappear within a few weeks or days as the body gets familiar with the drug. The most frequent side effects are the loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increased heart rate.
Certain studies have revealed that people who are taking stimulant drugs for ADHD are more prone to tics. These are repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. These drugs do not cause tics, but they make them more visible. ADHD medications may also cause changes in voice or mood as well as stomach upset, headaches and occasionally 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. adhd medication uk for adults act differently than the stimulants, increasing the levels of norepinephrine. It is an additional brain chemical that helps with attention and impulse control. They can also reduce anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders symptoms. They are less harmful than stimulants but they aren't as effective to treat ADHD symptoms. If you are also suffering from depression or bipolar disorder your doctor may recommend that you try these medications. They may also suggest psychosocial treatment to help manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.