ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. adhd medication adults uk can also be prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medications typically have more severe symptoms. It's important that they understand the importance of following the advice of their doctor.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps people focus more effectively and decreases the tendency to be impulsive. About 80% of those suffering from ADHD who take the correct dose experience fewer symptoms.
Most stimulants are in the methylphenidate or amphetamine class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. They are considered first-line treatments for the disorder due to decades of research showing robust response rates with good tolerability and safety throughout life as well as a low incidence of adverse effects. They are also non-habit-forming, and there is little 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 forms or formulations. The most commonly used form of stimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines and atomoxetine as well as amphetamines are also available.
Some of the long-acting versions drugs last for up to 16 hours, and can decrease the need for a daily evening or afternoon dose. adhd medication for adults uk can also help avoid the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that can occur when taking shorter-acting stimulants. Some people who use these medications may suffer from a "crash effect" when they stop taking them. This is typically characterized by a sudden, sharp decrease in energy.
These medications can cause other side effects, such as upset stomachs, appetite suppression and sleep issues. They can also cause dry mouth, mood changes and sleep issues. In rare cases, stimulants may worsen tics. For example, some children and adolescents taking ADHD medication have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. They are usually minor and disappear once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare instances ADHD medications can cause young people to grow slower and be shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to work however they don't produce the same surges of energy. They also help increase focus, attention, and control of impulses over time. They're not controlled substances, which means they are less likely to be abused or cause substance use disorders, but some people may cause the "crash" or rebound effect when they suddenly stop taking these medications.
Because ADHD is a complicated condition, healthcare providers usually prescribe a variety of medications and keep track of the body's reactions to make sure they are receiving the correct amount. This is especially true when the healthcare professional is treating a comorbid illness like depression or anxiety. For this reason, it's essential for people suffering from ADHD to see regularly with a psychiatrist on an ongoing basis until they find the correct combination of medication and dosage. If you're in search of an expert psychiatrist who can assess your mental health and assist you in deciding whether to add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that will connect you with a provider within days.