Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps in controlling your impulsive behavior.
They are available as tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting stimulant formulas are preferred because they provide medications throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used medications for ADHD. They are fast-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children who use them. They are effective by increasing brain chemical dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases focus and decreases tiredness. Methylphenidate is an stimulant that is widely used to treat ADHD. It is available in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and can be taken up to three times per day. Amphetamines, which are slightly stronger 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 ailments should inform their doctor.
If stimulant medications are misused (e.g., taken in over the prescribed dosage or mixed with alcohol or other substances) they can lead to addiction. People who take the prescribed doses are not at risk of an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence to suggest that ADHD medication could aid people who are at risk of addiction to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved various kinds of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. Generic drugs are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is identical. Your doctor will prescribe the one that is most suitable for your child or yourself.
The doctor will start with a small amount and take note of how your child or you react before changing dosage. Then your doctor will determine whether you should switch to another medicine or add another.
The stimulants can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and changes in sleep or mood. Some children and adolescents who take stimulants experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Certain studies suggest that the use of stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for certain children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower to take effect than stimulants, however they can enhance the ability to focus. It may take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medication can reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in some people. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They work on the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain. Some such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been proven to increase focus and impulsivity in some people with ADHD.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medications are rare and hard to come by. best adhd medication for adults might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition to or instead of stimulants, if side effects are too much for you. They can also aid in improving memory and decrease aggression and impulsivity in certain adults 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 prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and may be more effective than stimulants alone.