Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps control your impulsive behavior.
They are available in tablets or as a patch (lisdexamfetamine). adhd and anxiety medication -acting stimulant formulas are preferred because they provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80% of children who take them. They are effective by increasing brain chemical dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases 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 form and can be taken up to three times per each day. Amphetamines can be prescribed for ADHD. They are a little more powerful than methylphenidates. These drugs can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure and those with preexisting conditions should tell their doctor.
Drugs that stimulate can cause addiction if they are misused, which includes taking more than the prescribed dose or mixing them with other substances or alcohol. Those who take them as prescribed do not face an increased chance of developing addiction. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication could aid people who are at risk of addiction to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved several types of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic drugs are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is identical. Your doctor will prescribe which medication is best for you or your child.
Your doctor will start with a small dose and watch how you or your child responds before adjusting the dosage. Your doctor will then determine whether it is necessary to add a second medication or switch to a different one.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects like dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Children and adolescents who use these medications experience tics, which are rapid movements or sounds that resemble the sound of a throat clearing or eye blinking. Certain studies have demonstrated that stimulants may cause a slight decrease in height for some adolescents and children.
Non-stimulant medicines are slower acting than stimulants, but they can increase the ability to focus. It could take up to four weeks to be noticeable. Non-stimulant medicines can reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health problems in certain people. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medications for ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They work on the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain, and some like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been proven to increase impulsivity and focus in some people with ADHD.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medicines are rare and infrequent. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in lieu of stimulants, if adverse effects are too severe for you. Certain adults suffering from ADHD might 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 can be more effective than stimulants alone.