ADHD Medication
Medication is often part of an ADHD therapy program. The two most common stimulant medications are dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate. Each of these stimulant medicines comes with a variety of brands, and each has a distinct chemical composition.
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals, which help send messages between neurons. These are usually the first drugs that healthcare professionals consider for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the first drugs most doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These can improve focus, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior and boost calmness. Doctors often use amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or atomoxetine, which is in the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to treat ADHD. Heart-related complications that cause heart attacks are uncommon, but doctors may monitor people with heart problems closely while taking stimulants.
ADHD is usually treated most effectively with stimulant medications particularly for adolescents and children. These drugs increase the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that help people focus, concentrate and learn. They also boost energy levels and promote wakefulness. adhd and anxiety medication have demonstrated that when taken as directed they can significantly enhance school performance. However, many experts worry that students who take stimulants for long periods of time may develop a tolerance and then require greater doses. They can also cause negative side effects such as changes in appetite, sleep problems depression, anxiety, or sleep problems.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication typically start with a low dose and gradually increase it over a period of several weeks. They will want parents and you to be aware of the positive and negative effects of the medication. If the medicine does not appear to be working or causes side effects you aren't able to manage, your physician might try another medication.
Most children and adults who are taking stimulant medications experience some adverse effects. The majority of them are mild and disappear after several days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine. Some of the most common side effects are loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and a fast heart rate.
Some studies have revealed that those who use stimulant medication for ADHD are more likely to suffer from tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. However, these medications don't cause tics; they make them more noticeable. ADHD medications can also cause changes in mood or voice and headaches, stomach upset and occasionally an increase or decrease in heart rate or blood pressure.
A few nonstimulant medications--including Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine)--have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. These drugs perform differently than stimulants. They boost the levels of norepinephrine, the brain chemical that helps control attention and impulses. They can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. medication for adhd and anxiety are less prone to side effects than stimulants, however, they aren't as effective in treating ADHD symptoms. If you are also suffering from bipolar disorder or depression, your doctor may suggest that you try these medications. They may also recommend psychosocial treatment to help manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.