Types of ADHD Medication
The most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which improves concentration and helps in controlling impulsive behaviour.
You can buy them as a tablet or as a patch. It is best to choose long-acting stimulant formulations, which provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used medications for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children who use them. They work by increasing the levels of brain chemicals, called dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces fatigue. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known stimulant used for ADHD. It is available in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and it can be taken at least two times a daily. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can temporarily increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with preexisting medical conditions are advised to tell their doctor if they suffer from any of these conditions.
If have a peek at this website are misused (e.g. when they are taken in excess of the prescribed dose, or mixed with alcohol or other drugs) they can cause addiction. adhd without medication who use them as directed, however, do not have an increased risk of becoming addicted. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication could aid people at risk of substance abuse to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved various kinds of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formula is the same. Your doctor will prescribe the one that works best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will begin with a low dose, and observe how your child or you react before adjusting the dosage. Your doctor will decide if it is necessary to introduce a different medicine or switch to another one.
Stimulants can have side effects, such as a dry mouth, decreased appetite and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Some children and adolescents who take these medications experience tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds resembling eye blinks or throat clearing. Certain studies have demonstrated that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for some teens and children.
Non-stimulant medications are less effective than stimulants, but they can enhance the ability to focus. It could take up to four weeks to have a noticeable effect. Non-stimulant medication can reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions in certain individuals. Most often, they are used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They affect the levels of serotonin in the brain. Certain, like selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to improve focus and impulsivity in those suffering from ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in lieu of stimulants, if side effects are too much for you. Some adults with ADHD can also benefit from antidepressants, because they enhance memory and decrease impulsivity and aggression. 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 may be more effective than stimulants on their own.