Common ADHD medications include amphetamines, methylphenidate, guanfacine and clonidine. These medications reduce impulsivity and improve focus by regulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 7 million children and teens in the United States. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder, so it can affect a person’s impulse control, attention span and organizational skills. Although behavioral therapies are helpful, some people need medication to stay focused and manage their responsibilities. Learn more about your ADHD medication options in this guide.
Stimulant Medications: How They Work
Stimulant medications increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Both substances are neurotransmitters, which means they help the nerve cells communicate with each other. People with ADHD tend to have lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, making it difficult to pay attention, start tasks and regulate their emotions.
By increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels, stimulant medications for ADHD increase alertness. They also make individuals with ADHD more interested in their tasks, making it easier to overcome procrastination.
Stimulants are either methylphenidate-based or amphetamine-based. They’re also available in long-acting and short-acting forms. The short-acting version lasts for just a few hours, so it may be necessary to take several doses per day.
Long-acting stimulants work for most of the day, providing more consistent control of ADHD symptoms. With long-acting medications, it may also be possible to avoid sudden ups and downs. For example, if your medication wears off in the middle of a task, it may take several hours to get back on track.
Non-Stimulant Medications: Who They’re Best For
Non-stimulant medications don’t increase dopamine levels directly. Instead, they affect other systems or processes involved in paying attention and regulating your impulses. For example, some non-stimulant medications work on the norepinephrine pathways in your brain.
Stimulants aren’t right for everyone, so the availability of non-stimulant ADHD medications opens up another treatment option. You may benefit from non-stimulant treatment if you:
- Have medical conditions that prevent you from using stimulants
- Experience significant side effects when you try stimulants
- Need additional support while taking a stimulant
- Have a history of substance use disorder
One of the major differences between stimulants and non-stimulants is that stimulants start working quickly. Non-stimulants take time to build up in your body, so they don’t reach their full effectiveness immediately.
This is completely normal, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a few weeks to see results. Restore Mental Health can help you identify healthy coping strategies to use while you wait for the medication to work.
How Providers Decide Where to Start
No two people have exactly the same medical needs, so healthcare providers evaluate multiple factors before prescribing ADHD medication. Common considerations include:
- Age
- Daily schedule
- Medical history
- Symptom severity
- Type of symptoms (e.g. inattention versus impulsivity)
- Co-occurring depression, anxiety or sleep issues
- Heart health
- Previous experiences with medications
Gathering this information helps your healthcare provider create a personalized care plan. For example, someone who works long hours in a high-stress job might need a long-acting stimulant, while someone without these pressures might do well with a non-stimulant medication.
If you have heart problems, a non-stimulant may help control your ADHD symptoms without putting your health at risk. Asking about your previous medication experiences can even help you avoid undesirable side effects.
ADHD and Daily Functioning
Medical professionals also examine your ability to function in daily life. For example, you may need a stimulant if you’ve been having problems at work or school due to difficulty paying attention, completing tasks or meeting deadlines.
If your functional symptoms are milder, your doctor may recommend behavioral therapies instead of medication. It all depends on your individual needs. Restore Mental Health offers personalized treatment for ADHD, giving you access to a care plan that fits your life.
What to Expect in the First Few Weeks
ADHD medication isn’t a magic pill. It doesn’t take away your ADHD symptoms immediately, but it can help you manage your symptoms throughout the day. With stimulant medications, you may notice improvements within 1 or 2 days. As noted earlier, non-stimulants take longer to work, so it’s important to be patient.
During the first week, it’s important to monitor:
- Sleep habits
- Changes in focus and impulsivity
- Emotional regulation
- Mood
- Appetite changes
We may have you keep a symptom log to determine how well your new medication is working. This allows the team at Restore Mental Health to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Adjusting Dosage and Managing Side Effects
When you first start ADHD medication, it’s common to adjust the dosage based on your needs. This process is known as titration. Healthcare providers titrate medication to improve symptom control while reducing the risk of unwanted side effects. This keeps you safe from harm while allowing you to benefit from improved focus and reduced impulsivity.
Depending on which type of medication you use, common side effects may include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mild headaches
- Decreased appetite
- Mood changes
- Increased heart rate
If you experience some of these effects, we may suggest that you take the medication at a different time of day, reduce the dose or switch from one type of medication to another.
Medication vs. Therapy vs. Combined Treatment
Medication is most effective when it’s combined with other forms of support. ADHD coaching, therapy and skill-building classes can help you improve in the following areas:
- Time management
- Emotional regulation
- Problem-solving
- Study habits
- Organization
Medication improves focus and helps curb impulsive behavior, while behavioral therapies help you build long-term skills for succeeding in school, work or relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Medication Options
- How do you tell if you need ADHD meds?
You may need ADHD medication if your symptoms are making it difficult to function. For example, if you’re missing deadlines or struggling with absenteeism, you may benefit from taking medication to improve focus and reduce impulsivity. - What medication is used for ADHD in adults?
Like children, adults may benefit from taking methylphenidate-based or amphetamine-based stimulants. For those who can’t tolerate stimulants, non-stimulant medications are an option.
Starting the Conversation at Restore Mental Health
If ADHD is making it difficult to study, maintain employment or meet your family obligations, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Contact us now to speak with one of our compassionate, dedicated counselors. We’ll help you explore ADHD medication options and learn some strategies for managing your symptoms.
