Is there a medication for adhd?

Are you finding yourself forgetful, easily distracted, and always on the go? Do you have trouble focusing on tasks that require your uninterrupted attention? Have you considered duct-taping your smartphone to your forehead hoping for a stronger Wi-fi connection through osmosis?

Fear not! The good news is – there are medications available that can help ease some of these symptoms. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s clear up what ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) actually is.

What is ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder1. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness or any combination thereof.

The exact cause isn’t quite pinned down just yet but it could be something to do with genetics, environment or perhaps even a sprinkle of both.

Before being diagnosed with ADHD I had only ever heard about people receiving medication while taking their GCSEs because everyone was convinced they couldn’t sit still long enough for an exam… so naturally as someone with ADHD thoughts such as ‘What if I start becoming like those suped-up athletes?’ 3 did cross my mind before starting medication.

Is There A Medication For ADHD?

Yes! Actually there are several medications available based primarily around stimulants (for example Ritalin,Metadate CD), non-stimulant Atomexetine (Brand name Strattera 4), and other ancillary categories including anti-depressants such as Bupropion 5.

One thing though..these meds aren’t exactly guaranteed party drugs unless the party happens to be solving differential equations paired with monitoring traffic cameras from 2009 in rural Arkansas then sign me right up!

Stimulant-Based: How Do They Work?

These stimulant-based medications work by releasing dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain making it easier to concentrate 2. It’s like swapping out a tired, beat up solo wheel skateboard for an e-skateboard..except instead of moving point A to B more quickly you’re just better at sitting still at a desk.

The Side Effects

“What about the side effects?”, you might ask. Great question! Here are some potential short-term side effects:

Short-Term Side Effects Long-Term Side Effects
Trouble sleeping Growth suppression resulting in weight loss difficulties (commonly rebound after medication discontinuation)
Decreased appetite Stomach discomfort/esophageal irritation
Headache Possible cardiovascular complications including heart disease or hypertension due to narrowed blood vessels
[^7]
So while this table could sound daunting I would kindly remind it is essential you also talk directly with your doctor should any long term use arise – each body reacts differently!

Non-Stimulant Alternatives

“But what if Stimulant-based meds aren’t my cup of tea?” You know those plastic swivel egg-seats which make breakfast more fun than actually eating breakfast? Imagine that being Strattera 4.

Unlike stimulants which release hormones, Strattera targets chemicals affecting neurotransmitters keeping them pesky distractions from popping up all whilst increasing attention span over extended periods.

One thing though – since stress isn’t fun for anyone; if depression or anxiety tend to escalate within certain individuals Strattera probably wouldn’t be recommended as treatment[^8].

How Does One Obtain A Prescription For ADHD Medication?

Obtaining these prescription drugs require visits with medical professionals such as Doctors or Psychiatrists. Prioritizing transparency with mental health offers a better outcome-faxing over lab results and MRI scans of one’s ticker prior to any visits just won’t do -< imagine playing Candyland with an empty cardboard box versus having purple Unicorns, chocolate rivers and pink lava for company (or your life depending on who you ask).

Once you’ve secured medical professionals, there will likely be deep dive conversations regarding the diagnosis criteria including how often you’re experiencing symptoms:[^9]
1. How many symptoms are present
2. How long they have been occurring
3. Whether or not they affect school/workday activities

If after careful examination medication is seen fit prescription distribution most likely will include guidelines on what time to take said medication(s), dosages and potential modifications based on patient feedback [^10].

Now this may come as shocker but it’s highly recommended not sharing these pills since cheating off someone else’s neurochemistry gets more difficult than copying math homework in Year 4.

Still concerned? Wondering if the benefits outweigh the risks? Here’s some final thoughts:

Hooray for ADHD meds!

I’ll be honest when first starting out I did think along the lines of ‘Well why should I artificially alter my brain chemistry when others don’t have to?’
Trust me when I say if your laptop battery only lasts 5 minutes you’d also plug that charger back in wouldn’t you?

The reality is ADHD medications help level anyone’s field of execution/operation making routing goals less..wellll Olymptic gold worth hurdles that feel like Benjamin Franklin chucked them onto course behind our unaware backs[^11].

So now look at us, all responsible popping protein-packed multi-colored-pencils thinking about TPS reports…Hoping well maybe by next week we’ll stop accidentally sending important emails without attachments ..when let’s face it..we’re actually just forwarding pictures of gummy social media logos to our friends.


  1. https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-adhd-symptoms-causes-treatments/ 

  2. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/adhd-medication.htm 

  3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/39299396 

  4. https://cornerstonepsychiatryandwellness.com/strattera-potential-side-effects-and-benefits-for-children-and-teens/ 

  5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/bupropion-the-third-most-commonly-prescribed-antidepressant-can-result-in-an-overdose-2018091914799
    [^7] : https://selecthealth.org/blog/how-to-handle-side-effects-of-adhd-medications/
    [^8] :https://americanaddictioncenters.org/drugs/adhd-stratters#who-generally-doesnt-get-a-prescription-for-strattera-
    [^9] : http:/adhdinadults.net/getting-adult-add-diagnosis.html 

  6. https:///healthengine.com.au/info/managing-your-childs-trajectory-on-drug-treatment-routines#/article/no3 

  7. https:///markmanson/net/not-giving-a -fuck-among-depression-other-unshakeable-demoralising-states-html 

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