Treatment For ADHD The most effective treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy psychotherapy The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as non-stimulants like atomoxetine and viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine Patients with active substance abuse issues should not take stimulant medications However, those in stable remission might consider them Combination treatment with antidepressants particularly SSRIs is also an option Stimulants Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses This improves concentration and decreases the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD They might prescribe methylphenidate Concerta, Ritalin or amphetamines, which are similar medicines The type prescribed will depend on a person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the medicine It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are evident The medicine will be effective if you notice improvements in your concentration, memory, sleep, and impulsivity The medicines in this class may have adverse effects, including decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they may raise heart rate and blood pressure Some people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should not use them They are controlled substances with the potential for abuse Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them They can be found in the form of tablets or pills or patches that are placed on the skin, or in liquids Children and adolescents who take stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dose is too high If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing worsening of symptoms Stimulant medicines are used for about 70 to 80 of children and adults with ADHD https//wwwiampsychiatryuk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/ of adolescents and children find that their symptoms get better when treated This is particularly relevant for children with parents, teachers, or carers who can be able to report improvements Early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of substance use disorders later on in the course of Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of substance addiction disorders during adolescence However, this protective effect fades as we enter early adulthood