Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD<br /><br /><br /><br />The use of medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but it won't cure it. It may take some time to determine the right dosage and medication that works best for you or your child. Open and honest communication with your doctor is key.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />These drugs are the first line of treatment for children and adults suffering from ADHD. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />The most common medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs increase levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. Around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD notice improvements in their symptoms following the discovery of the right stimulant drug and dose.<br /><br />As a first-line treatment doctors typically prescribe methylphenidates to kids and teens who have ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines, which are much more effective in adults and produce less side negative effects. The stimulants affect two brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. Heart-related problems sufferers should be closely monitored if taking stimulants.<br /><br />Most children and adults who take stimulants may experience some side effects. However, the majority of the time the side effects go away after a few weeks, or less. If they don't, speak to your doctor about changing the medication or locating an alternative that is better for you or your child.<br /><br />The most common stimulant side effects include weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and having trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. Some people experience changes in their personality. Others may experience an increase in depression or anxiety, which is why it is important to consult with an expert in mental health prior to starting stimulant medications for ADHD.<br /><br />Stimulants can trigger anxiety and a rise in blood pressure. They can also cause stomachaches, headaches and loss of appetite. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">managing adhd without medication I Am Psychiatry</a> can lead to an increased risk of substance abuse. Stimulants are not habit-forming in the small doses used to treat ADHD, but they can cause addiction if misused or taken in high doses.<br /><br />Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working and do not last longer than stimulants, however they can increase concentration and focus, and decrease the impulsivity. The majority of these medications are based on antidepressants and they affect the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed as a stand-alone medication or in conjunction with stimulants, particularly when someone is suffering from depression and anxiety in addition to ADHD.<br /><br />Students with ADHD treated with medication may achieve GPAs that are in line with their peers if they practice good habits of study. A recent study found that college students with ADHD who were treated with medication to treat their symptoms increased their grades by an average of a letter grade.<br /><br />The majority of ADHD medications fall into two drug classes - methylphenidates or amphetamines. Amphetamines are more likely to be misused and develop dependence than methylphenidates. The newer, longer acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin) and bupropion are less prone for abuse and dependence. Some people supplement with a long-acting drug taken once daily, with an immediate-release dose between mid- to late afternoon to limit fluctuations in their concentration. Other medications for ADHD that aren't classified as either methylphenidates or amphetamines include desmethyldimethylphenidate (Dexamethylpropion) and guanfacine (Narcan). The following chart lists the class of medication as well as the generic and brand names, and the duration of the action.<br /><br />