Types of ADHD Medication
The most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitter hormones dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain, which improves concentration and can help control impulsive behaviour.
They are available as tablets or a patch (lisdexamfetamine). It is best to opt for long-acting stimulant products, which deliver medication throughout the entire day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80% of the children who take them. They work by increasing brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a popular stimulant used for ADHD. It is available in liquid or chewable tablet forms and can be taken up to three times a day. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates, are also sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can temporarily increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People with preexisting conditions are advised to inform their doctor if they suffer from any of these ailments.
The use of stimulants can result in addiction if misused, such as taking more than the recommended dose or mixing them with other substances or alcohol. Those who take them as prescribed are not at risk of an increased risk of becoming addicted. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication may even aid those at risk of using substances to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved various kinds of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic medications are available, which means that the chemical formula is the same. Your doctor will prescribe the one that works best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will start with a small dose and examine how your child or you react before changing dosage. Your doctor will then determine whether it is necessary to add a second medication or switch to a different one.
The stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth, decreased appetite and changes in sleep or mood. Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulants may experience tics. These are sudden noises or movements like eye blinking or a throat clearing. Certain studies have shown that the use of stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height in some children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant medicines are slower acting than stimulants, but they can increase concentration. It may take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. adhd medication list -stimulant medication can reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions in some people. Most often, they are used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They work on the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain. Some -- such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to improve focus and impulsivity in people who suffer from ADHD.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant medications that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in lieu of stimulants, if adverse effects are too intense for you. They may also aid in improving memory and reduce aggression and impulsivity in certain adults suffering from 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 often prescribed in combination with stimulants and could be more efficient than stimulants on their own.
