What A Weekly Medication For ADHD Project Can Change Your Life

Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD The use of medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but they will not cure it. It can take some time to determine the right medication and dosage that work best for your child or yourself. adhd medication uk Iampsychiatry and honest communication with your doctor is key. Stimulants These drugs are the first treatment for both children and adults with ADHD. They increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain. Stimulants Stimulants are the most common prescriptions by doctors to help people with ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain, which impact the ability to focus, attention and movement. Around 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD experience improvement in their symptoms when they have found the right stimulant and dose. As a first-line treatment doctors typically prescribe methylphenidates to teenagers and children with ADHD. Amphetamines can also be prescribed, as they are more effective and have less side-effects in adults. Stimulants alter two brain chemicals: norepinephrine, and dopamine. Heart patients should be closely monitored when taking stimulants. Many people, both adults and children, who use stimulants may experience some side effects. The majority of these adverse effects will subside within a few days or weeks. If they don't, consult your doctor about changing the medication or locating a different one that works better for you or your child. The most frequent side effects of stimulants include an increase in appetite, trouble sleeping and difficulty staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. They may become shy rigid, numb or irritable or display obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Others may experience an increase in anxiety or depression. This is the reason it is essential to consult with an expert in mental health before starting stimulant medications for ADHD. Stimulants raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can make some people feel nervous or anxious. They can also cause stomachaches, headaches and loss of appetite. They can also lead to an increased risk of addiction. Stimulants are not habit-forming in the small doses used to treat ADHD, but they can create addiction if they are used in excessive doses. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working and do not last as long as stimulants do, but they can improve concentration and focus, and decrease the impulsivity. A majority of these drugs are based on antidepressants, and they work by affecting the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants. This is especially relevant when a person suffers from depression, anxiety or ADHD. Studies of academic performance among students with ADHD who are treated with medication have shown that they can achieve GPAs comparable to those of their peers, provided they adhere to good habits of study. In fact the results of a recent study revealed that in a group of more than 90 college students suffering from ADHD those who used medication to manage their symptoms had their grades improved by an average of a letter grade. The majority of ADHD medications fall into two classes of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Amphetamines have a higher potential for dependence and abuse than methylphenidates. But the newer longer-acting atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) have lower risk of abuse and dependence. Some people take a single dose of a long-acting drug that has an immediate-release dosage in the late afternoon to lower their fluctuation in concentration. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart outlines the class of medication names, generic names, brand names and the length of the action.