Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps control impulsive behavior.
You can buy tablets or a patch. Long-acting stimulant formulas are preferred, as they deliver medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are commonly 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 decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in liquid or chewable tablet forms and can be consumed up to three times per each day. Amphetamines are often prescribed for ADHD. They are a little stronger than methylphenidates. These drugs can temporarily increase 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., taken in over the prescribed dosage, or combined with alcohol or other substances), they can result in addiction. Patients who take them according to the directions, however, do not face an increased risk of becoming addicted. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication may even aid people at risk of using substances to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved a number of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are typically available in generic form, which means the chemical formula is identical to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe the medication works best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will begin with a small dose, and observe how your child or you react before changing dosage. Then, your doctor will decide whether you'll need to switch to another medicine or add another.
The stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth, decreased appetite, and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Some children and adolescents who use stimulants experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some studies have found that stimulants may cause a slight decrease in height for some teens and children.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower to take effect than stimulants but can still increase the ability to focus. It can take up to four weeks for the medication to start working. Non-stimulant drugs can reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health issues in certain people. Most often, they are prescribed in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin inside the brain. Some, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to increase impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Your doctor may recommend antidepressants as stimulants for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants in the event that you experience intolerable adverse effects. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from antidepressants, because they enhance memory and reduce impulsivity and aggression. see this 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 effective than stimulants on their own.