In Which Location To Research ADHD Medications Online
ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also include them in treatment for anxiety or depression.
Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medication typically experience more severe symptoms. This is why they should be aware of the importance of following doctors and their instructions.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication by healthcare providers to treat ADHD in adults and children is stimulants. They are used to increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces impulsive behaviors. Approximately 80% of people who suffer from ADHD who are taking the right dosage have less symptoms.
The majority of stimulants belong to the amphetamine or methylphenidate class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as first-line treatments for ADHD because of the decades of studies that have demonstrated high response rates, safety, tolerability and minimal adverse effects across the lifespan. They are also non-habit-forming, and there is little evidence to suggest they cause 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 types, or formulations. The most popular type of stimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines and atomoxetine as well as amphetamines are available too.
Some long-acting versions last for as long as 16 hours and could reduce the need for a daily dose of afternoon. They also help avoid the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rates that are typical of shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who are taking these drugs may experience what is called a "crash" effect when they stop taking the medication which typically involves a very abrupt decrease in energy that may be difficult to deal with.
These medications can also trigger other side effects such as stomach upset as well as appetite suppression and sleep problems. They can also cause dry mouth, mood swings, and sleep problems. In rare cases, stimulants can cause tics that get worse. Children and adolescents who are taking ADHD medication have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. These symptoms are usually mild, and disappear after the body is accustomed to the medication. In rare cases, ADHD medications can delay growth in children and make them shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working, but they don't cause the same sudden bursts of energy and can improve concentration, attention and control over time. Since they aren't controlled substances, they are less likely to be misused or lead to addiction disorders. However, some may be affected by the "crash", or rebound effect, if they stop using these medications.
Due to the complexity of ADHD, healthcare providers prescribe multiple medications and track the body's reactions to ensure the patient is receiving the right dosage. This is especially important in the case of treating a comorbid illness such as anxiety or depression. It is important that a person with ADHD consults with a psychiatrist on a regular basis until they find the right combination of medication and dosage. More suggestions , an online psychiatry service that matches you with a doctor within a matter of days, can help you find a psychiatrist who can assess your mental health. They can also help you decide whether you should get ADHD medication.