Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps in controlling the impulsive behavior.
You can buy tablets or as a patch. It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant products, which give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used drugs for ADHD. They work quickly and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of the children who use them. They work by increasing the levels of brain chemicals, called dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate is an stimulant that is widely used to treat ADHD. most effective adhd medication for adults is available in chewable tablets and liquid forms, and it can be taken two to three times a daily. Amphetamines can be prescribed for ADHD. They are slightly stronger than methylphenidates. managing adhd without medication can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with preexisting medical conditions are advised to consult their doctor if they suffer from any of these ailments.
Drugs that stimulate can cause addiction if they are misused, which includes taking more than the prescribed dosage or mixing them with alcohol or other substances. People who take them as prescribed do not face an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication can aid those at risk of using substances to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved various kinds of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are typically available in generic form, meaning that the chemical formulation is similar to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe the one that works best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will start with a small amount and examine how you or your child reacts before making adjustments to the dosage. Then your doctor will decide whether you should change to a different medicine or add a different one.
The effects of stimulants can be adverse, such as a dry mouth, a decreased appetite, and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Children and teens who take stimulants experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or a throat clearing. Some studies show that the use of stimulants may cause a slight reduction in height in some children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant medicines are slower acting than stimulants but can still improve concentration. It can take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in certain people. They are usually used in conjunction with a stimulant medication for ADHD.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain. Some like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to increase focus and impulsivity in some people with ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant medicines that are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition to or instead of stimulants, if the adverse effects are too intense for you. They can also aid in improving memory and reduce aggression and impulsivity in certain adults with ADHD. 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 combination with stimulants and can be more effective than stimulants alone.