Finding the Best Medication For ADHD
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They include methylphenidates and amphetamines. Short-acting stimulants start working within less than an hour and must be taken several times per day. adhd and anxiety medication -acting stimulants last up to 16 hour and are taken once a day.
Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants, or other types of medications "off-label" to treat ADHD symptoms. These are medications that have been approved to treat other conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Stimulants
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase concentration, decrease impulsivity and increase alertness. They do this by reducing the absorption of dopamine as well as norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters which boost brain activity and help different brain regions communicate with one another. These are controlled substances due to the possibility of misuse. Anyone who uses stimulants must avoid illegally sourced versions. They are usually more potent, and carry greater dangers of addiction and overdose. The stimulants can be consumed daily on a regular basis, or every week or "as needed". Most people begin with a small dosage and increase it gradually. Doctors will track your or your child's progress with these medications by having you fill out behavior rating scales, observe symptoms, and measure height, weight, pulse and blood pressure measurements.
Amphétamines and Methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulants to treat ADHD. They come in both short-acting as well as long-acting versions. Short-acting medications are taken more frequently than daily. adhd anxiety medication -acting medications are taken only once a day. Short-acting drugs have a shorter action, beginning to work within 30 to 45 minutes, and lasting between 3 and 6 hours. Long-acting medications have a longer duration that begins to work within 2 to 4 hours and lasting up to 12 hours.
These medications may cause negative side effects, like heart problems and high blood pressure. They may also cause a headache or a feeling of jitteriness. Inform your doctor of any adverse effects so they can determine if you need to alter the medication or decrease the dosage.
The majority of children and adults suffering from ADHD will experience adverse reactions when taking medication. It's important to find a treatment plan that works for your family so that you can be as efficient as you can be. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions and to inform him of any changes that you or your child may experience in your mood or other symptoms.
Nonstimulants are used when stimulant drugs cause an adverse reaction or if the person is not able to respond well to them (30 percent of people do not respond to stimulant medications). FDA has approved four nonstimulant medications for treating ADHD. These include Atomoxetine (Strattera), Qelbree (Guanfacine), and Strattera (Qelbree). Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, are also prescribed "off-label" for ADHD treatment. These drugs are less likely than other medications to cause agitation and sleepiness, and they have a lower risk of misuse. However, they're not as effective in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity.