ADHD Medications - Add ADHD Stimulants to Your Treatments<br /><br />Stimulants increase brain chemicals that control behaviour. Doctors often prescribe them to treat ADHD symptoms. They can also incorporate them in treatments for depression or anxiety.<br /><br />Children and teens who do not take their ADHD medications often have worse symptoms. It's crucial for them to understand the importance of taking the advice of their doctor.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />The most commonly used medication by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD in adults and children is stimulants. They are used to increase the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This allows people to concentrate better and reduces impulse-driven behavior. About <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">adhd medications Iam Psychiatry</a> of ADHD sufferers who take the right dose have fewer ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />The stimulants that have been approved by the FDA include those from the amphetamine and methylphenidate class. They are considered first-line treatments for the disorder due to decades of research showing robust response rates as well as a high degree of tolerability and security throughout life and a low risk of adverse reactions. They are also not habit-forming and there is little evidence to suggest they cause 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.<br /><br />These drugs come in different types, or formulations. The most common form of stimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate pills. Amphetamines and atomoxetine as well as amphetamines are also available.<br /><br />Certain long-acting versions of these medications last for up to 16 hours and could reduce the need for an evening or afternoon dose. They also help keep from the rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate that can occur with shorter-acting stimulants. Certain people who take these medications may have a "crash effect" when they stop taking them. This is characterized by a sudden and sharp drop in energy.<br /><br /><br /><br />The use of these drugs can trigger other adverse effects, such as upset stomach, appetite suppression, sleep problems, dry mouth and some mood swings. In rare cases stimulants can cause tics that get worse. Some children and adolescents who are taking ADHD medication may experience increased eye blinking, or throat clearing. These are usually not severe and disappear once the body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases, ADHD medications can delay growth in young people and result in them being shorter than their peers.<br /><br />Non-stimulant drugs are more difficult to use, but they do not generate the same surges of energy. They also can enhance focus, attention and impulse control over time. They're not controlled substances, which means they are less likely to be misused or cause drug abuse disorders, however some people may cause an "crash" or rebound effect when they abruptly stop taking these medications.<br /><br />Due to the complexity of ADHD, healthcare providers prescribe multiple medications and keep track of the body's responses to ensure that the patient is receiving the right dosage. This is particularly true in the case of treating a comorbid illness like anxiety or depression. It is important for a person with ADHD to see regularly with a psychiatrist on an ongoing basis until they find the right combination of medications and dosage. If you're looking for an expert psychiatrist who can assess your mental health and assist you in deciding whether to add ADHD medications, Talkiatry is an online psychiatry practice that can connect you with a doctor within days.<br /><br />