Finding the Best Medication For ADHD
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants. They include amphetamines and methylphenidates. Short-acting stimulants start working in under an hour and should be taken several times a day. Long-acting stimulants last up to 16 hours, and are usually taken only a few times per day.
Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or other medications "off-label" to treat ADHD symptoms. These are approved medications for treating other conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Stimulants
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. They improve concentration, decrease anxiety and impulsivity, and boost alertness. They work by reducing the absorption of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters which boost brain activity and help different parts of the brain communicate with each other. These are controlled substances because they have the potential for misuse. Anyone who takes stimulants must avoid illegally produced versions, which are typically more potent and come with higher risks of addiction and overdose. Stimulants can be consumed on a daily, weekly or on an "as needed" basis. The majority of people start with a small dose and gradually increase it. Doctors will monitor your or your child's progress when taking these medications by asking you to fill out behavior rating scales and observe the symptoms. You can also measure height, weight, pulse and blood pressure measurements.
Amphétamines and Methylphenidate are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants used to treat ADHD. They are available in short-acting and long-acting versions. Short-acting drugs are taken more often than once per day. Long-acting drugs are consumed only once per day. Short-acting medication has a shorter effect, beginning to work in 30 to 45 minutes. It lasts from 3 to 6 hours. Long-acting drugs have a longer-lasting action, starting to take effect after 2 to 4 hours and lasting up to 12 hours.
These medications can trigger adverse effects, like heart issues, high blood pressure and appetite suppression. They may also cause a headache or a feeling of jitteriness. Tell your doctor about any side-effects so that they will determine if you need to alter the medication or reduce the dosage.
The majority of kids and adults with ADHD who are taking medication will suffer at least a few side effects. It's crucial to find an approach to treatment that is beneficial for your family and you to ensure that you remain as functional as possible. Iampsychiatry to follow the directions of your doctor, and to report any changes that you or your child may notice in your mood or symptoms.
Nonstimulants can be used when stimulant drugs trigger an adverse reaction, or if the individual is not able to respond well to them (30 percent of people don't respond to stimulant medications). FDA has approved four nonstimulant medications to treat ADHD. They include Atomoxetine (Strattera), Qelbree (Guanfacine), and Strattera (Qelbree). Some antidepressants such as Wellbutrin are prescribed "off-label" as part of ADHD treatment. These drugs are less likely than other medications to cause agitation and sleeplessness, and they have a lower risk of misuse. They aren't as effective in reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity.