Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps control the impulsive behavior.
You can purchase them as a tablet or as a patch. It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant formulas that give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children who take them. They increase the levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces fatigue. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It comes in chewable tablets and liquid forms, and is able to be consumed up to three times per day. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates, are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can temporarily raise the heart rate and blood pressure. People with preexisting health conditions are advised to inform their doctor if they have any of these ailments.
If stimulant medicines are misused (e.g. when they are taken in excess of the prescribed dose, or combined with alcohol or other drugs) they can result in addiction. Patients who use medications as prescribed are not at risk of an increased risk of becoming addicted. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication can aid those at risk of using substances to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved a range of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is the same. Your doctor will prescribe the medication that is best for you or your child.
Your doctor will begin with a low dose and examine how your child or you react before altering the dosage. Then your doctor will decide whether you'll need to change to a different medication or add another.
Stimulants may cause adverse effects like dry mouth, a decrease in appetite and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Some children and adolescents who take them experience tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds resembling eye blinking or throat clearing. Some studies have found that stimulants may cause a slight decrease in height for certain children and teenagers.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, yet they can help improve impulsivity and attention. It may take up to four weeks for the medication to start working. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health issues in some people. They are most often used in conjunction with stimulant medications for ADHD.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin within the brain. Some, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs), have shown to increase impulsivity and focus in those suffering from ADHD.
adhd medication online -approved non-stimulant medications are few and far between. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants along with a stimulant for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you suffer from intolerable side effects. They can also aid in improving memory and reduce the impulsivity and aggression of some 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 prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and may be more effective than stimulants on their own.