ADHD Drugs
A key component of your treatment plan for ADHD may be medication. Physicians have access to a wide variety of medications to manage your symptoms. All medications, whether prescribed by your doctor or not, have the same effect of raising the amounts of specific chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. These molecules help you better control your emotions, lengthen your attention span, and lessen symptoms like impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Together, you and your doctor will determine which medication is best for you as well as the appropriate dosage and schedule (how frequently or when you need to take it). Finding the ideal combination could take some time.
It’s possible that not everyone will respond to medications or that they will work for all ADHD symptoms. The best course of treatment frequently combines medication, therapy, behavior modification, and skill development. We refer to this as multimodal therapy.
The following drugs are most frequently prescribed to treat ADHD:
stimulants. Because they raise norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, these medications are known as stimulants. The effects of these two substances on cognition and attention are significant.
not stimulating. Non-stimulants may be helpful when stimulants are ineffective or have undesirable side effects. These medications may help you become more focused, attentive, and impulse-controlling, but they take longer to start functioning than stimulants. For better results, doctors may occasionally prescribe them in addition to stimulants.
drugs that fight depression. Although the FDA has not approved them for the treatment of ADHD, some people report that they are helpful in managing the symptoms. Therefore, if you experience side effects from stimulants, your doctor might try these. Additionally, anxiety, despair, and other mood disorders—including bipolar disorder—are common in people with ADHD. If this describes you, your doctor might also prescribe an antidepressant to treat these additional symptoms in addition to an ADHD stimulant.
Considerations to make while beginning an ADHD medication regimen
For many people, medication is the mainstay of treatment for ADHD, and it can be quite effective. However, they are not the sole choice. Examine your options one at a time. Many people find that behavior therapy is effective if they are not yet ready to attempt medication. You can minimize harmful behaviors and learn constructive ones with the aid of behavior therapy.
ADHD Stimulant Medications
The majority of medications taken to treat ADHD belong to this class. For many years, they have been used to treat ADHD in kids. These medications raise dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which may aid with concentration and distraction avoidance. Numerous well-known stimulants have been given FDA approval for ADHD. They are all made up of variations of the stimulant medications amphetamine and methylphenidate.
Stimulants are not advised by doctors for patients who have:
1.Heart conditions or deficiencies
2.elevated blood pressure
3.Overactive thyroid
4.glaucoma
5.elevated anxiety
6.a past of substance misuse
Stimulants come in two varieties:
those with an immediate release (short-acting) and those with an extended release (intermediate or long-acting).
Temporary stimulants
After taking them, these medications often start to function 30 to 45 minutes later and last for 3 to 4 hours. Typically, you take these twice or three times daily.
It’s possible that amphetamines have somewhat stronger and slightly longer-lasting effects than methylphenidate. All things considered, the two types of medications are rather comparable.
Long- and intermediate-acting stimulants
Long-acting stimulants can last 8–12 hours, and in some cases, up to 16 hours, whilst intermediate stimulants can last 6–8 hours. Typically, you take these once day. Due to the fact that individuals with ADHD may have problems remembering to take their medication, long-lasting medications are typically the best choice.
For each type of long- and intermediate-acting stimulant, the following are some examples:
Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Dexedrine Spansule, Dynavel XR, Adzenys XR-ODTC Concerta, Metadate CD, Ritalin-LA, Aptensio-XR, and Focalin XR are among the medications that include amphetamine.
adverse effects of stimulants
Typical stimulant side effects include:
1.appetite decline
2.upset stomach
3.being twitchy or uneasy
4.pounding heart rate
5.difficulty falling asleep
6.Intolerance or fluctuations in mood
7.Headaches
8.lightheadedness
9.Depression
10.tics
Short- and intermediate-acting stimulants may not have the same impact on hunger and sleep as long-acting medications. Stimulants may also cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Additional worries about stimulant safety
In addition to their negative consequences, several professionals are concerned about stimulants for the following reasons:
long-term consequences for those whose brains are still growing. Some specialists are cautious about using stimulants in younger people since it is unknown how these medicines may alter the long-term development of the brain in children and teenagers.
the possibility of unexpected mortality in patients with cardiac disease. Before beginning stimulants, the American Heart Association advises everyone—including children—to have their hearts checked. It is recommended that physicians inquire about the patient’s medical and family history, with a focus on symptoms that may indicate a cardiac issue. Additionally, if the physical examination, family history, or medical history raise any suspicions about a cardiac issue, they advise a physical examination to search for signs of a heart condition, including an electrocardiogram (EKG). the elevated likelihood of other mental health issues. Some stimulant medication users may have personality changes. Stimulants, for example, may cause or exacerbate symptoms of aggression, anger, anxiety, despair, or paranoia. Individuals with a personal or familial history of depression, bipolar disorder, or suicide may be more susceptible to this than other people, and they will probably require thorough medical supervision from their doctor during stimulant use.
the possibility of misuse. Teens and college students abusing stimulants to focus for exams or to reduce weight is becoming a rising problem in schools and institutions. Children who have prescriptions for stimulants may sell or distribute them with their peers. Verify that your kid is taking their medication as prescribed and isn’t selling or distributing it.
Non-Stimulant Drugs for ADHD
Roughly 15% to 30% of children and presumably adults do not react to stimulants. Non-stimulants might be a good choice for you if stimulants don’t work for you or if you can’t handle their negative effects. Due to their ability to intensify the effects, your doctor might also advise taking them along with stimulants. Since non-stimulants are not regulated substances, there is less potential for misuse. These can also be a good choice for you in the event that you have previously struggled with substance usage.
It could take a few weeks before you experience the full effects of non-stimulant drugs because they often take some time to take effect. They might not function as well as stimulants, too.
