Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain, which improves concentration and can help control the impulsive behavior.
You can purchase them as a tablet or a patch. It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant products, which give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are fast acting and reduce ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80% of the children who use them. They are effective by increasing brain chemical dopamine and norepinephrine. adhd treatment medication improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate is a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. It is available in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and is able to be consumed at least two times a daily. Amphetamines, which are a bit stronger than methylphenidates are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with preexisting conditions are advised to tell their doctor if they suffer from any of these conditions.
If stimulant medications are misused (e.g. taking them in over the prescribed dosage or mixed with alcohol or other drugs) they can result in addiction. People who use them according to the directions however, do not face an increased risk of developing addiction. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication may even help people who are at risk of addiction to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved a variety of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are usually available in generic form, meaning that the chemical formula is identical to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe the medication is best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will begin with a low dose, and watch how you or your child reacts before adjusting the dosage. Your doctor will decide if it is necessary to introduce a different medicine or switch to another one.
The effects of stimulants can be adverse, such as a dry mouth, a decreased appetite and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like the sound of a throat clearing or eye blinking. Certain studies suggest that the use of stimulants could cause a slight decrease in height for certain children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant medications are slower-acting than stimulants, however they can help improve attention and impulsivity. It could take up to four weeks before the medication begins working. Non-stimulant medication can reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health problems in certain people. They are typically used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin within the brain. Certain, like selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to increase impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant medications that are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition or instead of stimulants, if the adverse effects are too intense for you. They can also aid in improving memory and decrease aggression and impulsivity in some adults with ADHD. Some antidepressants work on dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, and are classified as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They are usually prescribed in combination with stimulants, and can be more effective than stimulants on their own.