Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps in controlling impulsive behavior.
You can buy tablets or as a patch. Long-acting stimulant formulas are preferred because they provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used drugs for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children who use them. They work by increasing brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces fatigue. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It comes in chewable and liquid tablet forms, and it is able to be consumed at least two times a day. Amphetamines can be prescribed for ADHD. They are a little more powerful than methylphenidates. These drugs can temporarily increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People with preexisting conditions are advised to consult their doctor if they have any of these ailments.
If stimulant medications are misused (e.g. when they are taken in over the prescribed dosage or combined with alcohol or other drugs) they could cause addiction. Patients who use them as prescribed are not at risk of an increased chance of developing addiction. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication can help people who are at risk of addiction to avoid 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 one that is best for you or your child.
Your doctor will start with a small dose, and take note of how your child or you react before adjusting dosage. Your doctor will then decide if it is necessary to introduce a different medicine or switch to a different one.
adhd medication ritalin can cause side effects including dry mouth, a decreased appetite and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Certain adolescents and children 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 reduction in height for some adolescents and children.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower to take effect than stimulants, however they can increase attention. It can take up to four weeks before the medication begins working. Non-stimulant drugs can reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in certain people. They are usually used in conjunction with stimulant medications for ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They work on serotonin levels in the brain, and some such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to increase impulsivity and focus in people who suffer from ADHD.
FDA-approved medications that are not stimulants are rare and hard to come by. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition to or instead of stimulants if the adverse effects are too intense for you. They may also aid in improving memory and decrease aggression and impulsivity in 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 often prescribed in conjunction with a stimulant, and can be more effective than stimulants alone.