you can look here - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments
Stimulants boost brain chemicals that regulate behavior. Doctors often prescribe them to treat ADHD symptoms. They may also be prescribed to treat symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medications typically have more severe symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of taking their medical advice.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of medication that doctors use to treat ADHD in children and adults. They are used to increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This allows people to focus better and lessens the tendency to be impulsive. Around 90% of ADHD sufferers who are taking the right dosage have fewer ADHD symptoms.
Most stimulants are in the amphetamine or methylphenidate class of drugs and are FDA approved to treat ADHD. The FDA has approved them as the first-line treatment for ADHD due to of the decades of studies that have shown robust response rates, tolerability and low adverse reactions across the entire lifespan. They are also non-habit-forming, and there is little evidence that they cause a 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 different varieties 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 of these medications last up to 16 hours, and can decrease the requirement for an evening or afternoon dose. They can also help to avoid the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that can occur with shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who are taking these medications might experience what is called a "crash" effect when they stop taking the medication, which is typically a sharp decrease in energy and can be difficult to cope with.
The use of these drugs can trigger additional side effects, including upset stomach, appetite suppression and sleep issues, dry mouth and some mood changes. In rare cases stimulants can cause tics to worsen. For example that some adolescents and children who take ADHD medicine have increased eye blinking or throat clearing. They are usually minor and go away once the body adjusts to the medication. In for beginners can cause children to be slower growing and shorter than their peers.
Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working but they don't produce the same sudden bursts energy, and can help improve concentration, focus and control over time. Since they aren't controlled substances, they are less likely to be misused or to lead to substance abuse disorders. However, some people might be affected by a "crash" or rebound effect, after they suddenly stop using these medications.
concerta adhd medication to the complexity of ADHD, healthcare providers prescribe multiple medications and track the body's responses to ensure that patients are receiving the correct dose. This is especially true in the case of a healthcare professional treating a comorbid disorder like depression or anxiety. This is why it's essential for people suffering from ADHD to visit an psychiatric specialist on a regular basis until they find the right combination of medications and dosage. If you're in search of a psychiatrist who can evaluate your mental health and help you decide if it's time to consider adding ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a specialist within a matter of days.