Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitter hormones dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which increases concentration and helps control impulsive behaviour.
You can buy tablets or as a patch. It is best to choose long-acting stimulant products, which provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who take them. They increase the levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a very popular stimulant used for ADHD. It is available in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and it can be taken two to three times a every day. Amphetamines, which are a bit stronger than methylphenidates are also prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure, so those with existing conditions should tell their doctor.
If stimulant medicines are misused (e.g. when they are taken in more than the prescribed dosage or mixed with alcohol or other drugs), they can result in addiction. People who use them according to the directions however, do not have an increased risk of addiction. There is evidence that using ADHD medication can aid in preventing substance abuse among people who are at risk.
The FDA has approved several types of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, which means that the chemical formulation is the same. Your doctor will prescribe whichever medication works best for you or your child.
Your doctor will start with a small amount and take note of how you or your child reacts before making adjustments to the dosage. Then your doctor will determine whether you should change to a different medicine or add another.
Stimulants can cause side effects, such as a dry mouth, decreased appetite, and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Certain adolescents and children who use these medications experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. dealing with adhd without medication I Am Psychiatry have shown that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for some children and teenagers.
Non-stimulant medications are slower-acting than stimulants, yet they can still improve attention and impulsivity. It could take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in certain individuals. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants also work in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin inside the brain. Some, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs), have shown to improve focus and impulsivity for people suffering from ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants as a stimulant for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you suffer from undesirable adverse effects. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from antidepressants, because they enhance memory and reduce impulsivity and 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 often prescribed in combination with stimulants, and may be more effective than stimulants on their own.