10 Healthy Types Of ADHD Medication Habits
Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly used type of medication used to treat ADHD. They ease symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity through increasing brain chemicals. They also help reduce tics and help people finish tasks.
They are available in short- or long-acting varieties. Doctors can prescribe them either as a pair or in combination.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant drug that helps treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps control impulse-driven behaviors such as interrupting others, while increasing focus and decreasing restlessness. It also helps improve listening and following instructions. It is a good choice for children as young as 3 years old, teenagers or adults. It can also be used to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy, which is that is characterized by sudden bouts of sleepiness during the morning.
The method Adderall operates is by altering some of the naturally occurring chemicals that are present in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine which are both natural neurotransmitters that transmit messages between cells. This allows your brain to function more efficiently and enhances its capabilities in areas that are affected by ADHD like focus memory, focus, and motivation. It also increases alertness and reduces the amount of restlessness experienced by people with Narcolepsy.
Stimulants can raise heart rate which is dangerous for those with certain medical conditions or who are taking other medications. People with high blood pressure or an history of stroke, heart disease, or seizures should avoid taking stimulants. Also, people with liver or kidney disease or glaucoma need to consult their doctor prior to taking them. They can also be misused and can cause negative side effects, such as addiction or overdose.
Studies have proven that long-term use of stimulants like Adderall can increase a slightly increased risk of heart problems for women, those with preexisting heart disease, and people who are younger than 18 years old. The benefits of adding Adderall far exceed any risk.
The first indication that Adderall is working is when you begin to notice a difference in your ability to pay attention and follow instructions. You can tell if your organizational skills improve. Avoid drinking coffee and watching TV in the hours prior to bedtime if you have trouble falling asleep.
Adderall and other stimulants remain in your system between two and four days. It is recommended to provide this information in the event that you have to undergo a drug screening for school or work.
Evekeo
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) is an ADHD medication that was approved by the FDA in 2014. It works by increasing the levels of two important neurotransmitters: dopamine & norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are essential in the pleasure and reward pathways, as well as attention and focus. Taking Evekeo can improve symptoms of ADHD but it could cause adverse side effects.
Stimulants such as Evekeo can increase blood pressure and heart rate. These changes can be severe and may require treatment or hospitalization. Inform your doctor if you have is a personal or family history of heart disease. Also, inform your doctor that you are suffering from other health issues or are taking any supplements or vitamins. Evekeo can interact with certain medications. Always inform your doctor if you're taking prescription or non-prescription medication.
The most common adverse effect of this medication is headache. It is also possible to experience nausea, dry mouth and drowsiness as well as weight loss. These effects typically go away within a few days or a few weeks, however you should call your doctor when they continue or get more severe. Evekeo can also trigger a rare condition called peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomenon. This can cause tissue breakdown or digital ulceration. This condition is more common in adolescents and children, and can be exacerbated through long-term use of stimulants.
Some people can develop a psychological dependence on this medication and this is a serious problem that requires treatment. It can cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is abruptly stopped or reduced in dose. Withdrawal symptoms can include agitation, depressed mood and fatigue, as well as irritability and vivid or unpleasant dreams. Some people may also develop tolerance, which means that they require greater doses to achieve the same effects. This could result in addiction and other dangerous side effects. It is also possible to overdose on this drug and cause the life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This is a serious and potentially fatal consequence of amphetamines including Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular type of medication healthcare providers prescribe to treat ADHD. It affects the chemicals in the nerves and brain that triggers hyperactivity and impulse-control. It's FDA-approved to treat children and adults who are 6 years of age and older. It assists healthcare professionals improve their patients' concentration and reduce the amount of impulsivity. This allows them to function better at work or at school. It also helps to reduce mood swings and makes it easier to fall asleep.
The drug comes in extended-release and immediate-release capsules and tablets. The immediate-release medications come as pills (Ritalin) or liquid (Methylin) and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category can be found in tablet (Concerta) and capsule (Methylin XR) as well as tablet (Methadose and Azstarys). To achieve the best results, it's important to regularly take the medication. When the effects of methylphenidate decrease, some people notice a brief period when they feel tired and more active, or in a bad mood. This is referred to as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate can cause stomach upset, headache and loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate. Consuming it in conjunction with meals can aid in avoiding these adverse effects. In certain instances methylphenidate may trigger a mania episode in people with bipolar disorder. It's not common, but it's a good idea discuss with your healthcare provider about your family's background of mental health issues.
There aren't too many non-stimulant medications that are specifically approved to treat ADHD. However, certain healthcare professionals might prescribe antidepressants for treating the condition. non stimulant adhd medication increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These medications do not have the same dangers of abuse as stimulants do. They can still cause serious problems if taken in excess or improperly. Non-stimulant medicines can take longer to effect than stimulants and may take up to 24 hours to reach their peak effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of some other prescription ADHD drugs.
Non-stimulants
For many kids and adults, stimulant medication is the first option for treating ADHD. However, they might not work well for everyone, or cause undesirable side consequences. Nonstimulant medications may be useful in these situations. They can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity among children and adults with ADHD. These medications are available in pills, liquids or patches. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, the guanfacine and clonidine and all of them work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and are also the most studied. They are also the most effective in helping adults and children with ADHD focus and control the impulsivity. They can be short-acting or long-acting, and they usually start to work within 30 to 45 minutes and last between three and six hours. Doctors typically prescribe long-acting stimulation first, then add a short-acting stimulus for those who find it difficult to stay focused throughout the day.
There are many kinds of stimulant medicines such as amphetamines. These medications are controlled and are only available through an prescription. The stimulants can also be misused and this is the reason they're classified as controlled substances. Nonstimulants do not carry the same abuse risk and are less likely than stimulants to cause negative effects similar to addiction.
Nonstimulant drugs can be consumed by mouth or transdermally (through the skin). They generally absorb faster than stimulants, and don't require a lengthy waiting time before they begin working. They can help improve the impulsivity of children and adults with ADHD and are often used with other treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are some who experience adverse reactions from these medications, but they are usually mild and go away on their own as the body adjusts to them. If they persist discuss with your doctor about the issue. They will tell you if the side effects are normal and offer suggestions for reducing the severity of them.