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Medication For ADHD 101: A Complete Guide For Beginners
Choosing the Right Medication For ADHD

The use of medication can help control ADHD symptoms, but they won't cure it. It may take time to determine the best medication and dosage for you or your child. Communication that is honest and open with your doctor is key.

Stimulants

These medications are the initial treatment for adults and kids with ADHD. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the most common medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to people suffering from ADHD. These medications increase levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect focus, attention and movement. About 70-80 percent of both adults and children with ADHD notice improvements in their symptoms following the discovery of the right stimulant and dose.

As a first-line treatment doctors usually prescribe methylphenidates for children and teens with ADHD. They may also prescribe amphetamines that are more effective for adults and cause less adverse consequences. Stimulants work on two brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Heart-related patients need to be closely monitored while taking stimulants.

Children and adults who are taking stimulants experience side effects. But most of the time, these side effects disappear within a few weeks or less. If they don't, speak to your doctor about changing the medication or looking for an alternative that is better for you or your child.

The most frequent side effects of stimulants include the loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping, and having trouble staying awake. Some people develop personality changes. these details may become shy, listless or rigid or display obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Some people can experience a worsening anxiety or depression. This is why it's important to talk to an expert in mental health prior to starting stimulant medication for ADHD.

Stimulants raise blood pressure and heart rate, which may make some people feel shaky or anxious. They can also trigger headaches, stomachaches and a loss of appetite. They can also increase the risk of using substances. In small doses stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are not habit-forming. However, they can be addictive if they are misused or in high doses.

Non-stimulant drugs require longer to get started and don't last longer than stimulants, however, they can help improve focus and attention, and also reduce the impulsivity. A majority of these drugs are based on antidepressants and they act on the brain chemical norepinephrine. They can be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants. This is particularly true when a person also has anxiety, depression and ADHD.

Students with ADHD who are treated with medication can achieve GPAs that are in line with their peers if they practice excellent study habits. In fact, a recent study showed that, in a study of more than 90 college students with ADHD those who were prescribed medication to manage their symptoms saw their grades improve by an average of a letter grade.


The majority of medications used to treat ADHD fall into one of two drug classes: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Amphetamines have more potential for abuse and dependency than methylphenidates. The more recent, longer-acting atomoxetine (Wellbutrin) and bupropion have lower risks for abuse and dependence. Some people add an anti-depressant that acts long daily, with an immediate-release dose in the mid to late afternoon, to reduce 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 outlines the class of medication, brand name, generic name, and length of the action.

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