Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD
The use of medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but they will not cure it. It may take time to determine the best dosage and medication for you or your child. The communication with your doctor must be honest and open.
Stimulants
These medications are the initial treatment for both children and adults with ADHD. They increase levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Stimulants
The most common medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. About 70-80 percent of both adults and children with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms after finding the right stimulant and dose.
Doctors typically prescribe methylphenidates (including atomoxetine, Ritalin) as the first-line treatment for children and teens suffering from ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines, which are much more effective for adults and cause less side consequences. Stimulants affect two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. Heart-related patients need to be closely monitored when taking stimulants.
Most children and adults taking stimulants will experience adverse effects. most effective adhd medication for adults of these side effects will disappear within a few days or weeks. If they don't, consult your doctor about changing the medication or locating another one that works better for you or your child.
The most commonly reported stimulant-related side effects are the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Certain people experience personality changes. Others may experience a worsening of anxiety or depression, which is why it is important to consult with an expert in mental health before beginning stimulant medications for ADHD.
Stimulants can cause anxiety and a rise in blood pressure. They can also trigger headaches, stomachaches and a decrease in appetite. They also can lead to an increased risk of a substance abuse. The stimulants aren't habit-forming in the low doses that are used to treat ADHD, but they can be addictive if used in excessive doses.
most effective adhd medication for adults -stimulant medications require longer to get started and don't last as long as stimulants do, however, they can help improve concentration and focus, and decrease impulsivity. Most of these medications are based on antidepressants and they act on the brain chemical norepinephrine. They are available as a single medication or in combination with stimulants, especially when the patient suffers from depression and anxiety in addition to ADHD.
Studies of academic performance among students who suffer from ADHD who are treated with medication have revealed that they can achieve GPAs comparable to those of their peers if they adhere to good habits of study. In fact, a recent study showed that, in a group of more than 90 college students who had ADHD those who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved by an average of a letter grade.
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two drug classes amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphetamines are more likely to be abused and become dependent than methylphenidates. But the newer longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risks of misuse and dependence. Some people supplement with a long-acting drug taken once daily with an immediate-release dose in the mid to late afternoon, to minimize ups and downs in their concentration. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart shows the class of medication, brand name, generic name and length of action.