This Week's Top Stories About Types Of ADHD Medication
Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which increases concentration and helps in controlling an impulsive behavior.
They are available as tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting stimulant formulations are preferable, as they deliver medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children who take them. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces fatigue. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in liquid or chewable tablet forms and can be taken up to three times a day. Amphetamines, which are slightly stronger than methylphenidates, are also sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with preexisting medical conditions are advised to tell their doctor if they suffer from any of these conditions.
If stimulant medications are misused (e.g. when they are taken in over the prescribed dosage, or combined with alcohol or other drugs), they can result in addiction. Patients who use them as prescribed do not face an increased chance of developing addiction. There is evidence to suggest that using ADHD medication can even aid in preventing the use of substances by people who are at risk.
The FDA has approved a variety of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. They are usually available in generic form, which means the chemical formulation is identical to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe whichever medication is most effective for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will begin with a small dose and watch how you or your child responds before adjusting the dosage. Your doctor will decide if it is necessary to add a second medication or switch to another one.
Stimulants can cause side effects like 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. Certain studies have demonstrated that stimulants can cause a slight reduction in height for some teens and children.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower to take effect than stimulants, but they can enhance concentration. It could take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medication can reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health issues in certain individuals. They are most often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications for ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. adhd medication and pregnancy alter the levels of serotonin within the brain. Certain medications, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to increase impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medications are rare and hard to come by. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition or instead of stimulants if the adverse effects are too intense for you. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from antidepressants, as they improve 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 can be more effective than stimulants by themselves.