Types of ADHD Medication
The most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps to control your impulsive behavior.
They are available in tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant formulas that give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used medications for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children who take them. They work by increasing the levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is commonly used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable or liquid tablet form and can be taken up to three times per every day. Amphetamines, which are slightly stronger than methylphenidates, are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, so people with preexisting conditions should tell their doctor.
you can try this out of stimulants can result in addiction if misused, such as taking more than the recommended dose or mixing them with other substances or alcohol. Patients who use medications as prescribed do not face an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is some evidence that using ADHD medication can even aid in preventing substance abuse among people who are at risk.
The FDA has approved a range of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is identical. Your doctor will prescribe the medication that works best for you or your child.
Your doctor will start with a small dose and watch how your child or you react before altering the dosage. Your doctor will then decide whether it is necessary add a second medication or switch to a different one.
Stimulants can trigger side effects such as dry mouth, a decrease in appetite, and changes in moods or sleep patterns. Children and adolescents who are taking them experience tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds resembling eye blinking or throat clearing. Some studies have shown that stimulants can cause a slight reduction in height for some children and teenagers.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, but they can help increase impulsivity and attention. It could take up to four weeks to be noticeable. Non-stimulant medications reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in certain people. They are typically used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin in the brain. Some, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to improve focus and impulsivity for people suffering from ADHD.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant medications that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Your doctor may recommend antidepressants in addition to a stimulant for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you have undesirable side effects. Certain adults suffering from ADHD can 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 usually prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and may be more efficient than stimulants by themselves.