How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication
The use of medications can ease ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter, in the brain.
Children suffering from ADHD are typically prescribed stimulants.
You can choose between short- and long-acting dosages. They are more efficient and last between 8 and 12 hours. They should be taken only one time per day. They lessen the effect of rebound, which is when symptoms return, and often get worse, as the drug wears off.
Stimulants
ADHD medication providers most often prescribe stimulants. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps you concentrate and pay attention.
The risk of experiencing side effects is high especially when stimulants are taken for a long time. Talk to your doctor about what to expect while taking these drugs, including changes in appetite, mood and heart rate, as well as how they affect your sleep.
If you take a stimulant medication for long periods of time, you could be at risk of becoming addicted or abuse. Addiction is when you are unable to stop yourself from taking a drug, even if it causes harmful adverse effects. The signs of addiction include taking more than your doctor recommends, feeling dependent on a drug or experiencing negative adverse effects.
Other health issues that may be caused by the use of stimulant medication include depression and suicidal ideation. If you think you or someone you know might be taking these drugs to harm themselves or others, call your local police or other authorities right away.
Amphetamines (brand-name Ritalin, Concerta, or Dexamphetamine) are among the most frequently-used stimulants used to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are available in immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (intermediate-acting) tablets, capsules or liquids. They are usually taken one or twice a day.
The amphetamines with longer-acting effects are more effective than their shorter-acting counterparts. They last between six and eight hours and aid you in getting through your day with fewer "ups and downs."
Extended-release stimulants can be used with an immediate-release drug in the afternoon. This is beneficial if your ADHD symptoms start to show up late in the day or if you experience irritation due to the medication's wear off in the early hours of.
To aid you in falling asleep to help you fall asleep, a small dose a long-acting stimulant could be taken prior to bedtime. Do not take this medication when you're not hungry. It can cause sleep problems and energy loss.
During the early phases of treatment, insomnia can be a relatively common side effect that occurs with stimulants. This can be reduced by not taking the medication near the time of bed and getting enough sleep every night.
Another side effect of stimulants is anxiety. It can be severe or mild, and it can result in tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also worsen the symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder.
Although changes in heart beat and blood pressure are possible, the effects are typically not significant. When you begin using stimulants for ADHD Your doctor might prescribe medication to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
ADHD medication can also trigger insomnia. click to find out more can be reduced when you are taking stimulants with prescription sleep aids or when you employ techniques for relaxation or meditation prior to going to bed.
