Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps to control the impulsive behavior.
They are available as tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting stimulant formulas are preferred because they supply medications throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD. They work quickly and reduce ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80 percent of the children who use them. They work by increasing the levels of brain chemicals, called dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known type of stimulant for ADHD. It comes in chewable and liquid tablet forms, and it can be taken two to three times a day. Amphetamines are sometimes prescribed for ADHD. They are a little stronger than the methylphenidates. These medications 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.
Stimulant medicines can lead to addiction if they are misused, which means taking more than the prescribed dose or mixing them with alcohol or other substances. People who take the prescribed doses are not at risk of an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication may even help people at risk of substance abuse to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved a range of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is identical. Your doctor will prescribe the medication is most effective for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will start with a low dose, and watch how you or your child reacts before altering the dosage. Then, your doctor will decide if you need to change to a different medicine or add a different one.
Stimulants can have side effects including dry mouth, less appetite and changes in sleep or mood. Children and adolescents who are taking them experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some studies have shown that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for certain teens and children.
Non-stimulant medicines are less effective than stimulants, yet they can help increase impulsivity and attention. It can take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medications reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health issues in certain individuals. They are most often used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin in the brain. Certain like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to increase impulsivity and focus in people suffering from ADHD.
There aren' how does medication for adhd work -stimulant medicines that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Your doctor may recommend antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD, or in place of stimulants if you suffer from undesirable adverse effects. Some adults with ADHD can also benefit from antidepressants, as they improve 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 conjunction with a stimulant, and could be more effective than stimulants alone.