ADHD Medication
The use of medication is usually part of an ADHD treatment plan. The two most common stimulant medications are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Each of them has a variety of brand names and has a different chemical makeup.
Stimulants stimulate brain chemicals that aid in transmitting messages between neurons. These are the first medications that healthcare professionals usually test for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the primary medication that doctors prescribe for ADHD. They help by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, including norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving focus, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior and boost calmness. Doctors often prescribe amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or atomoxetine, which belongs to the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to treat ADHD. Although serious heart problems are rare, doctors can closely monitor patients with heart issues when they take stimulants.
Stimulant medications are typically the most effective treatment for ADHD particularly for adolescents and children. These medications boost brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which help them focus, concentrate and learn. These drugs also promote energy and arousal. These drugs, when taken according to the prescription, can improve school performance. Many experts are concerned that students who use stimulants for long periods might develop a tolerance and need greater doses. They may also trigger adverse side effects, like changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety or depression.
adhd medication uk for adults who prescribe ADHD medication will usually start with a low dose and gradually increase it over the course of a few weeks. Parents and you will be asked to keep track of the effects on you and the benefits of the medication. If the medicine doesn't appear to be working, or causes side effects you can't cope with, your doctor may consider a different medication.
The majority of children and adults who are taking stimulant drugs experience at the very least some adverse effects. The majority of them are mild and will go away within several weeks or days after the body has become used to the medication. The most commonly reported side effects include a weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate.
Certain studies have revealed that people who take stimulant medication for ADHD are more likely to develop tics. These are repetitive movements or noises such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These drugs don't cause tics, but make them more noticeable. ADHD medications can also trigger some changes in voice or headaches, stomach aches and occasionally increase or decrease blood pressure or heart rate.
A few nonstimulant medications--including Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine)--have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. These medications work differently than stimulants. They increase the levels of norepinephrine which is a brain chemical that helps control the flow of thoughts and attention. They can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. They are less harmful than stimulants but they aren't as effective to treat ADHD symptoms. Your doctor might suggest you consider one of these drugs in the event that you suffer from bipolar disorder or depression along with ADHD. They may also recommend psychosocial treatment to help manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.