ADHD Medication List: 11 Thing You're Not Doing
ADHD Medication List
The most common ADHD medications are stimulant drugs such as Adderall Vyvanse Ritalin Concerta. They increase levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine to improve focus, decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity.
inattentive adhd medication can cause adverse effects. Your healthcare provider can help you find the best dosage and medicine for your child or yourself.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular type of medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD. They increase levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, which allow people to focus, think clearly and stay motivated. In most cases, 80% of children with ADHD notice improvement in their symptoms once the doctor finds the right stimulant medication and dosage. The stimulants are available via patch, mouth or via injection. Certain people with ADHD are prescribed nonstimulant drugs to alleviate their symptoms. It takes time to figure the correct dosage, medication, and schedule for each individual with ADHD.
The first stimulant medication that an individual with ADHD uses may not be effective or have undesirable adverse effects. If symptoms recur, or the patient does not notice improvement after a few weeks, the doctor may try a new medication.
Only prescriptions from a doctor or other qualified provider are accepted. They are not sold over-the counter (OTC). It's not recommended that people take vitamins or supplements that claim to treat ADHD. They could interfere with your prescription.
There are a variety of stimulant medications, such as amphetamines (Adderall and Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Ritalin). These are typically available as pills, however some also come in patches, liquids or chewable tablets. To limit the chance of misuse, a physician might suggest medications with a long-acting release or extended-release. These drugs build up slowly in the bloodstream, and they fade slowly. This can reduce the effects of "the rebound effect," which is when the person's mood and energy decreases after the medication has expired.
The medications typically begin to work within 30-60 minutes and their effects last for about 3-4 hours. Most people who use these medications take them two to three times per day.
Short-acting stimulants can trigger a "crash", which can cause people to feel angry, tired, and hungry. Some people with ADHD suffer from tics. These are repetitive sounds or movements like clearing the throat or blinking of the eyes. These aren't caused by the medication, but they may become more severe if it's stopped.
The risk of addiction or abuse is small with any stimulant. However, this is unlikely to occur in the lower doses used to treat ADHD. The risk is greater for adolescents and young adults and could be even more pronounced for those with an addiction history or a history of drug abuse.
The most common adverse effects of stimulants are stomach upset, headaches and a rise in heart rate. These side effects usually subside after some days after taking the medication. If they do not consult your physician.
Patients with ADHD should inform their doctor if they have any history of anxiety, depression heart disease, depression, or high blood pressure. They should also inform their doctor if they are taking any other medications or drinks, since they could hinder the effectiveness of the medication. They should also inform their doctor whether they have an alcoholism family history or any other mental health issues.