Types of ADHD Medication
The most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps control impulsive behavior.
You can purchase them as a tablet or a patch. Long-acting stimulant formulas are preferred, as they deliver medications throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used medications for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who take them. They work by increasing brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a very popular type of stimulant for ADHD. It is available in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and can be taken at least two times a every day. how to get adhd medication uk , which are a bit stronger than methylphenidates, are also sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can temporarily increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People with preexisting conditions are advised to inform their doctor if they suffer from any of these conditions.
If stimulant medications are misused (e.g. when they are taken in more than the prescribed dosage, or mixed with alcohol or other substances) they can lead to addiction. Patients who take them according to the directions however, do not face an increased risk of developing addiction. There is evidence to suggest that ADHD medication could aid those at risk of substance abuse to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved a number of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is the same. Your doctor will prescribe the one that works best for you or your child.
Your doctor will begin with a small dose and take note of how your child or you react before adjusting dosage. Your doctor will then decide whether it is necessary to add a second medicine or switch to a different medication.
Stimulants can have side effects including dry mouth, less appetite, and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Children and adolescents who take these medications experience tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds resembling the sound of a throat clearing or eye blinking. Certain studies have demonstrated that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for some adolescents and children.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, but 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 conditions in certain individuals. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants also work in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin in the brain. adhd anxiety medication , such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to improve impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
FDA-approved medications that are not stimulants are few and far between. Your doctor may suggest antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you have undesirable adverse effects. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from antidepressants, as they improve 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 typically prescribed in conjunction with stimulants, and can be more effective than stimulants by themselves.