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 impulsive behavior.
You can buy them as a tablet or as a patch. It is best to choose long-acting stimulant formulas that provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used drugs for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who use them. concerta adhd medication work by increasing levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases focus and decreases tiredness. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is commonly used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable or liquid tablet forms and can be taken up to three times a day. Amphetamines, which are a bit more powerful than methylphenidates, are also prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with preexisting medical conditions are advised to tell their doctor if they have any of these conditions.
If the stimulant medicine is misused (e.g. taking them in over the prescribed dosage, or combined with alcohol or other substances) they could result in addiction. how does medication for adhd work who take them as prescribed do not run the risk of becoming addicted. There is some evidence that the use of ADHD medication may help prevent substance abuse in people at risk.
The FDA has approved various kinds of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are usually available in generic form, which means the chemical formula 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 observe how you or your child reacts before making adjustments to the dosage. Then your doctor will determine whether you should change to a different medication or add another.
The stimulants can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, a decrease in appetite and changes in sleep or mood. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulants experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some studies have found that stimulants can cause a slight reduction in height for some teens and children.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, but they can help improve impulsivity and attention. It could take up to four weeks before the medication begins working. Non-stimulant drugs can reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in certain people. They are most often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications for ADHD.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They affect the levels of serotonin inside the brain. Certain medications, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to improve impulsivity and focus in people with ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant medications that are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Your doctor may recommend antidepressants along with stimulants for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you have uncontrollable side effects. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from antidepressants, because they enhance 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 prescribed in combination with stimulants, and can be more efficient than stimulants by themselves.