Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
Medicines can manage ADHD symptoms, but it isn't a cure for it. It could take some time to find the perfect dosage and medication for your child or yourself. Open and honest communication with your doctor is crucial.
Stimulants
These drugs are the initial line of treatment for children and adults with ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
how to get adhd medication uk are the most common medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to help people with ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which impact the ability to focus, attention and movement. Around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms after identifying the right stimulant drug and dosage.
As a first-line treatment, doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates to kids and teens who have ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines, which are more effective for adults and cause less side negative effects. Stimulants influence two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Heart-related patients need to be closely monitored while taking stimulants.
The majority of adults and children who take stimulants will experience some side effects. The majority of these side effects will disappear within a few days or weeks. If they don't, speak to your doctor about changing the medication or finding another one that works better for you or your child.
The most frequent side effects of stimulants include the loss of appetite, sleeplessness and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They may become more withdrawn rigid, unfocused or inactive or display obsessive-compulsive behavior. Some may experience a worsening of anxiety or depression. This is why it is important to speak with an expert in mental health before taking stimulant medication for ADHD.
Stimulants can cause anxiety and an increase in blood pressure. They can also cause stomachaches, headaches and a loss of appetite. They can also result in an increased risk of a substance abuse. Stimulants are not habit-forming in the low doses used to treat ADHD, but they can be addictive if misused or taken in large doses.
Non-stimulant medicines require longer to get started and do not last as long as stimulants, however, they can help improve concentration and focus, and decrease the risk of impulsivity. Most of these medications are based on antidepressants, and they affect the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed by themselves or together with stimulants. This is especially true when a person also has anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Studies of academic performance in students who suffer from ADHD who are treated with medication have shown that they can earn GPAs comparable to those of their peers, if they adhere to good habits of study. A recent study showed that college students with ADHD who took medication to manage their symptoms improved their grades by an average of a letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two classes of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphetamines have a higher potential for abuse and dependency than methylphenidates. The latest, more effective atomoxetine (Wellbutrin), and bupropion are less prone for misuse and dependency. Some people take a daily long-acting drug that has an immediate-release dosage in the afternoon to lower their fluctuation in concentration. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart lists the medication class, generic name, brand name and length of action.