Types of ADHD Medication
The most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps to control impulsive behavior.
They are available in tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant formulations, which give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who use them. They increase brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces fatigue. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is commonly used to treat ADHD. It is available in liquid or chewable tablet forms and can be consumed up to three times a each day. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with preexisting medical conditions are advised to inform their doctor if they have any of these conditions.
The use of stimulants can result in addiction if misused, such as taking more than the recommended dose or mixing them with alcohol or other substances. Patients who take them as directed, however, do not have an increased risk of developing addiction. There is some evidence that using ADHD medication may aid in preventing substance abuse among those who are at risk.
The FDA has approved a variety of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic drugs are available, meaning that the chemical formula is the same. Your doctor will prescribe the one that is best for you or your child.
Your doctor will start with a low dose and watch how you or your child reacts before altering the dosage. Then your doctor will determine whether you'll need to change to a different medication or add a different one.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects like dry mouth, decreased appetite, and changes in moods or sleep patterns. Children and teens who are taking stimulants may experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Certain studies have demonstrated that stimulants may cause a slight decrease in height for some teens and children.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, but they can still improve impulsivity and attention. They may take up to four weeks to have a noticeable effect. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in some people. Most often, they are used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
adhd treatment medication are also effective in treating ADHD. They work on the levels of serotonin in the brain. Certain like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to increase focus and impulsivity in people who suffer from ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. Your doctor may recommend antidepressants in addition to a stimulant for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you have undesirable adverse effects. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may 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 often prescribed in combination with stimulants and could be more effective than stimulants by themselves.