Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps control impulsive behavior.
adhd medication ritalin can buy them as a tablet or as a patch. Long-acting stimulant formulas are preferred because they supply medications throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used medications for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who take them. They increase brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases focus and decreases tiredness. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known type of stimulant for ADHD. It comes in chewable tablets and liquid forms, and is able to be consumed two to three times a every day. Amphetamines can be prescribed for ADHD. They are a little more powerful than methylphenidates. These medications can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with preexisting health conditions are advised to tell their doctor if they have any of these ailments.
If the stimulant medicine is misused (e.g. when they are taken in excess of the prescribed dose, or combined with alcohol or other substances) they could lead to addiction. Patients who take the medications as directed, however, are not at an increased risk of developing addiction. There is some evidence that using ADHD medication may help prevent substance abuse in people who are at risk.
The FDA has approved various kinds of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic drugs are available, meaning that the chemical formula is identical. Your doctor will prescribe the medication that is most suitable for you or your child.
Your doctor will begin with a low dose and examine how your child or you react before making adjustments to the dosage. Your doctor will decide whether it is necessary introduce a different medicine or switch to a different medication.
Stimulants may cause adverse effects like dry mouth, decreased appetite and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Some children and adolescents who use them experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Certain studies have shown that the use of stimulants may cause a slight reduction in height for certain children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant medicines are less effective than stimulants, yet they can improve impulsivity and attention. It may take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medications reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in certain people. They are usually used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They work on the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain. Some like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been shown to increase focus and impulsivity in people who suffer from ADHD.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants in addition to a stimulant for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you suffer from uncontrollable side effects. Certain adults suffering from ADHD can 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 prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and may be more effective than stimulants alone.