Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps in controlling impulsive behavior.
They are available as tablets or a patch (lisdexamfetamine). It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant products, which give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used medications for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80% of children who take them. They work by increasing brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known stimulant used for ADHD. It is available in chewable or liquid tablet form and can be consumed up to three times a each day. Amphetamines, which are a bit stronger than methylphenidates are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with preexisting conditions are advised to inform their doctor if they suffer from any of these ailments.
The use of stimulants can result in addiction if misused, which means taking more than the prescribed dose or mixing them with other substances or alcohol. Patients who use them as prescribed are not at risk of an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence that the use of ADHD medication may help prevent substance abuse in those who are at risk.
The FDA has approved various kinds of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formula is identical. Your doctor will prescribe the medication that works best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will start with a small dose and examine how your child or you react before altering the dosage. Your doctor will then decide whether it is necessary add a second medication or switch to another one.
Stimulants can cause side effects like dry mouth, decreased appetite, and changes in sleep or mood. Some children and teenagers who take stimulants experience tics. These are sudden noises or movements like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some studies show that the use of stimulants may result in a slight decrease in height in some children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant medications are slower-acting than stimulants, but they can still improve impulsivity and attention. It could take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medications reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health issues in some people. They are most often used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin within the brain. Certain medications, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to improve impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
FDA-approved medications that are not stimulants are rare and hard to come by. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD, or in place of stimulants if you suffer from undesirable adverse effects. adhd medication adults uk suffering from ADHD might also benefit from antidepressants, as they improve 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 combination with stimulants, and can be more effective than stimulants on their own.