Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps control the impulsive behavior.
They are available as tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting stimulant formulations are preferable because they provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80% of children who take them. They increase brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is commonly used to treat ADHD. It is available in liquid or chewable tablet forms and can be taken up to three times per day. Amphetamines can be prescribed for ADHD. They are slightly stronger than the methylphenidates. These drugs can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, so people with preexisting conditions should tell their doctor.
If stimulant medicines are misused (e.g., taken in more than the prescribed dosage or combined with alcohol or other substances) they can cause addiction. Patients who take them as directed, however, are not at an increased risk of addiction. There is uk adhd medication that the use of ADHD medication can help prevent substance abuse in 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 the medication that is most suitable for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will start with a low dose, and examine how you or your child responds before making adjustments to the dosage. Then, your doctor will decide whether you should change to a different medication or add another.
Stimulants can cause side effects, such as a dry mouth, a decreased appetite, and changes in sleep or mood. Children and teens who take stimulants experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some studies have found that stimulants may cause a slight decrease in height for some teens and children.
Non-stimulant medications are slower-acting than stimulants, however they can help improve attention and impulsivity. It can take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medicines can reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health problems in some people. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They affect the levels of serotonin inside the brain. Some, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to improve impulsivity and focus in those suffering from ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant medicines that are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in lieu of stimulants, if the adverse effects are too severe for you. Certain adults suffering from ADHD can 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 usually prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and could be more effective than stimulants on their own.