Types of ADHD Medication
The most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain, which increases concentration and helps in controlling an impulsive behavior.
You can buy tablets or a patch. It is best to choose long-acting stimulant products, which provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who use them. They work by increasing brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate is an stimulant that is widely used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable tablets and liquid forms, and is able to be consumed two to three times a every day. Amphetamines, which are a bit more powerful than methylphenidates, are also sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications may cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure, so those with existing medical conditions should consult their doctor.
Drugs that stimulate can cause addiction if they are misused, which means taking more than the recommended dose or mixing them with alcohol or other drugs. People who use the medications as directed however, do not face an increased risk of becoming addicted. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication can aid people who are at risk of addiction to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved several types of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. They are usually available in generic form, meaning that the chemical formulation is similar to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe which medication is best for your child or you.
Your doctor will start with a low dose and watch how you or your child responds before altering the dosage. Your doctor will then decide whether it is necessary to add a second medicine or switch to another one.
Stimulants can cause side effects like dry mouth, a decreased appetite and changes in sleep or mood. Children and teens who take stimulants experience tics. These are sudden noises or movements like eye blinking or a throat clearing. Some studies have shown that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for certain adolescents and children.
Non-stimulant medicines are less effective than stimulants, but they can increase impulsivity and attention. They can take anywhere from three to four weeks before they show a noticeable improvement. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems in some people. Most often, they are used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
adhd no medication can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin in the brain. Certain such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been proven to improve focus and impulsivity in people suffering from ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. Your doctor may suggest antidepressants as a stimulant for ADHD, or in place of stimulants if you have intolerable adverse effects. Some people with ADHD might 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 typically prescribed in combination with stimulants, and could be more effective than stimulants alone.