ADHD Medication
Medication is often a part of an ADHD treatment program. The most commonly used stimulant drugs are methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine. Each of these stimulant drugs has a variety of brands, and each has a distinct chemical makeup.
Stimulants boost brain chemicals that help transmit messages between neurons. They are the first drugs that healthcare providers usually try for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Most doctors prescribe stimulants as the first medication for ADHD. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These aid in improving focus, reduce impulsive behavior, and promote calmness. Doctors frequently use amphetamines (including methylphenidate) or atomoxetine, which is in a class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors for treating ADHD. adhd medication pregnancy -related heart problems that are serious are not common however, doctors will monitor people with heart problems closely while taking stimulants.
ADHD is usually treated effectively with stimulant medications particularly for adolescents and children. These drugs increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which aids in their ability to concentrate and learn. They also boost energy and increase the amount of wakefulness. These drugs, when used as directed will improve school performance. Many experts are concerned that students who take stimulants for a long period might develop a tolerance and require higher doses. They may also trigger negative side effects, including changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety or depression.
Doctors who prescribe ADHD medication typically start with a low dosage and gradually increase it over the course of several weeks. They'll want you and your parents to monitor the positive and negative effects of the medicine. If the medication doesn't seem to work or has side effects you aren't able to handle The doctor might suggest other medications.
Most children and adults who take stimulant medication experience some side effects. Most of them are minor and go away within several days or weeks as the body gets used to the medication. Some of the most common side effects are loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in heart rate.
Some studies have revealed that those who use stimulant medication for ADHD are more likely to suffer from tics that are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. These drugs do not cause tics, but they make them more apparent. ADHD medications can also trigger some changes in voice and headaches, stomach upset 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 act differently than stimulants, boosting the levels of norepinephrine. It is another brain chemical that aids in concentration and impulse control. They can also reduce depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder symptoms. They are less prone to side effects than stimulants, however, they aren't as effective at treating ADHD symptoms. Your doctor might suggest you try one of these medications in the event that you suffer from bipolar disorder or depression along with ADHD. They may also recommend psychosocial therapy to help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.