10 Situations When You'll Need To Know About Types Of ADHD Medication
Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps in controlling your 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 the most commonly used drugs for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80% of children who take them. They increase the levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases focus and decreases tiredness. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a popular type of stimulant for ADHD. It is available in chewable or liquid tablet form and can be consumed up to three times per day. Amphetamines are often prescribed for ADHD. They are a little stronger than methylphenidates. These drugs can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with preexisting conditions are advised to inform their doctor if they have any of these conditions.
If stimulant medicines are misused (e.g. taking them in excess of the prescribed dose or combined with alcohol or other substances) they can result in addiction. People who take medications as prescribed do not face an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence to suggest that ADHD medication may even aid people at risk of substance abuse to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved several types of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is identical. Your doctor will prescribe the medication that works best for your child or yourself.
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 if it is necessary to add a second medication or switch to a different one.
The effects of stimulants can be adverse including dry mouth, decreased appetite and changes in sleep or mood. inattentive adhd medication and children who use stimulants develop tics. These are sudden noises or movements like eye blinking or a throat clearing. Some studies have found that stimulants can cause a slight reduction in height for certain children and teenagers.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, however they can still improve impulsivity and attention. They may take up to four weeks to have a noticeable effect. Non-stimulant medications reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions in certain individuals. They are typically used in conjunction with a stimulant medication for ADHD.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They affect the levels of serotonin within the brain. Certain, like selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to improve focus and impulsivity in those suffering from ADHD.
FDA-approved medications that are not stimulants are rare and hard to come by. Your doctor may recommend antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants in the event that you experience uncontrollable adverse effects. They can also aid in improving memory and decrease aggression and impulsivity in some people 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 conjunction with stimulants and may be more efficient than stimulants by themselves.