Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps control your impulsive behavior.
They are available as tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting stimulant products are the best choice because they provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80% of children who take them. They increase brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known type of stimulant for ADHD. It comes in chewable and liquid tablet forms, and can be taken at least two times a daily. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with preexisting medical conditions are advised to consult their doctor if they suffer from any of these conditions.
The use of stimulants can result in addiction if misused, which means taking more than the recommended dose or mixing them with alcohol or other drugs. People who take them as prescribed do not run the risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence to suggest that ADHD medication could help people at risk of using substances to stay away from addiction.
medication for adhd and anxiety has approved a variety of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are typically available in generic form, which means the chemical formulation is similar to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe whichever medication works best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will start with a low dose, and examine how you or your child responds before making adjustments to the dosage. Then, your doctor will decide whether you'll need to change to a different medicine or add a different one.
Stimulants may cause adverse effects like dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Children and teens who take stimulants experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or a throat clearing. Certain studies have demonstrated that stimulants may cause a slight decrease in height for some adolescents and children.
Non-stimulant medicines are less effective than stimulants, yet they can still improve attention and impulsivity. It may take up to four weeks before the medication begins working. Non-stimulant drugs can reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in some people. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They affect the levels of serotonin within the brain. Certain, like selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to increase impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant medicines that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition or instead of stimulants, if side effects are too much for you. They may also aid in improving memory and decrease 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 may be more effective than stimulants on their own.