10 Tips To Know About Types Of ADHD Medication
Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. how does medication for adhd work improves concentration and helps control the impulsive behavior.
You can purchase tablets or a patch. It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant formulations, which give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who use them. They are effective by increasing brain chemical dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces tiredness. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a popular stimulant used for ADHD. It comes in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and can be taken two to three times a every day. Amphetamines are often prescribed for ADHD. They are a little stronger than methylphenidates. These medications can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, so those with existing medical conditions should consult their doctor.
If stimulant medications are misused (e.g. taking them in more than the prescribed dosage or mixed with alcohol or other drugs), they can lead to addiction. People who use them according to the directions, however, do not face an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence that using ADHD medication may aid in preventing substance abuse among people who are at risk.
The FDA has approved various kinds of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are usually available in generic form, which means the chemical formulation is similar to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe the medication that works best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will start with a small amount and take note of how your child or you react before adjusting dosage. Then your doctor will decide whether you'll need to switch to another medicine or add another.
Stimulants can have side effects like dry mouth, less appetite and changes in sleep or mood. Certain adolescents and children who use these medications experience tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds resembling the sound of a throat clearing or eye blinking. Certain studies suggest that the use of stimulants could cause a slight decrease in height for certain children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, but they can improve attention and impulsivity. It can take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant drugs can reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems in some people. They are usually used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants also work in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin inside the brain. Some, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs), have shown to improve impulsivity and focus in people with ADHD.
FDA-approved medications that are not stimulants are rare and infrequent. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in lieu of stimulants, if the side effects are too much for you. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from antidepressants, because they enhance 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 prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and may be more efficient than stimulants alone.