Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps to control your impulsive behavior.
You can buy them as a tablet or as a patch. Long-acting stimulant formulations are preferable, as they deliver medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who use them. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves 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 taken up to three times a each day. Amphetamines are often prescribed for ADHD. They are slightly stronger than the methylphenidates. These medications may cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and those with preexisting ailments should inform their doctor.
The use of stimulants can result in addiction if they are misused, which means taking more than the recommended dose or mixing them with alcohol or other drugs. Patients who use the prescribed doses do not run the risk of becoming addicted. There is some evidence that using ADHD medication can even aid in preventing substance abuse among people at risk.
The FDA has approved a variety of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic medications are available, which means that the chemical formula is the same. Your doctor will prescribe which medication works best for you or your child.
The doctor will start with a small amount and take note of how your child or you react before changing dosage. Your doctor will then decide whether it is necessary introduce a different medicine or switch to a different one.
The effects of stimulants can be adverse like dry mouth, a decreased appetite, and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Some children and adolescents who use them experience tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds resembling eye blinks or throat clearing. Some studies have shown that stimulants may cause a slight decrease in height for certain children and teenagers.
Non-stimulant medicines are slower acting than stimulants, however they can enhance the ability to focus. It can take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medications reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health issues in some people. They are most often used in conjunction with a stimulant medication for ADHD.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin inside the brain. adult adhd medication uk , such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to increase impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition or instead of stimulants, if adverse effects are too intense for you. They can also help improve memory and decrease aggression and impulsivity in certain people 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 often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and may be more efficient than stimulants by themselves.