Types of ADHD Medication
The most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. 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 choose long-acting stimulant formulations, which give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They work quickly and reduce ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80 percent of the children who use them. They increase brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable tablets and liquid forms, and is able to be consumed two to three times a every day. Amphetamines, which are slightly more powerful than methylphenidates, are also prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can temporarily increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with preexisting medical 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 could lead to addiction. Those who take them as prescribed do not face an increased chance of developing addiction. There is medication for inattentive adhd to suggest that the use of ADHD medication can aid in preventing the use of substances by people who are at risk.
The FDA has approved a number of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, which means that the chemical formula is identical. Your doctor will prescribe the medication is most effective for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will start with a low dose and examine how you or your child reacts before altering the dosage. medication for autism and adhd will then determine whether it is necessary to add a second medication or switch to a different medication.
Stimulants can trigger side effects such as dry mouth, reduced appetite and changes in sleep or mood. Children and adolescents who use them experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some studies show that the use of stimulants can result in a slight decrease in height for certain children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, yet they can still increase impulsivity and attention. It could take up to four weeks before the medication begins working. Non-stimulant medications reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health issues in certain people. They are typically used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They alter serotonin levels in the brain. Some -- such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been shown to improve focus and impulsivity in some people with ADHD.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition or instead of stimulants, if the adverse effects are too intense for you. They can also help improve memory and reduce the impulsivity and aggression of some adults with 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 usually prescribed in combination with stimulants, and can be more efficient than stimulants by themselves.