Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps control impulsive behavior.
They are available in tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). It is best to opt for long-acting stimulant formulations, which deliver medication throughout the entire day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who use them. They increase the levels of brain chemicals, called dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces tiredness. adhd medication list is a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable or liquid tablet form and can be taken up to three times per every day. Amphetamines can be prescribed for ADHD. They are a little stronger than the methylphenidates. 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 ailments.
If stimulant medications are misused (e.g., taken in excess of the prescribed dose or combined with alcohol or other drugs) they could cause addiction. adhd otc medication who use the medications as directed, however, are not at an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication can help people at risk of using substances to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved a number of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. Generic drugs are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is identical. Your doctor will prescribe which medication is most effective for you or your child.
The doctor will start with a small amount and take note of how your child or you react before changing dosage. Then, your doctor will decide whether you should switch to another medicine or add a different one.
Stimulants may cause side effects, such as dry mouth, decreased appetite and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Certain adolescents and children who are taking them experience tics, which 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 drugs are slower to take effect than stimulants, however they can improve concentration. They may take three to four weeks to have a noticeable effect. Non-stimulant medicines can reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in some people. They are typically prescribed in combination with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They work on the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain. Certain like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been shown to increase focus and impulsivity in some people with ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants along with a stimulant for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you have uncontrollable side effects. Some adults with ADHD may also benefit from antidepressants, because they enhance memory and reduce impulsivity as well as 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 often prescribed in combination with stimulants and could be more efficient than stimulants on their own.