Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps control your impulsive behavior.
They are available in tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). It is best to opt for long-acting stimulant formulations, which deliver medication throughout the entire day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used drugs for ADHD. They work quickly and reduce ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80 percent of the children who use them. They work by increasing brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and is able to be consumed two to three times a daily. Amphetamines are more powerful than methylphenidates, are also sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. adhd medication uk for adults can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with preexisting conditions are advised to tell their doctor if they suffer from any of these conditions.
If the stimulant medicine is misused (e.g., taken in more than the prescribed dosage or mixed with alcohol or other drugs) they could result in addiction. Patients who use the prescribed doses are not at risk of an increased chance of developing addiction. There is evidence to suggest that ADHD medication could aid people at risk of substance abuse to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved several types of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are typically available in generic form, which means the chemical formula is identical to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe the one that is most suitable for you or your child.
The doctor will start with a small amount and take note of how you or your child reacts before making adjustments to the dosage. Your doctor will then decide whether it is necessary add a second medication or switch to a different one.
Stimulants may cause side effects such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and changes in moods or sleep patterns. Some children and adolescents who are taking stimulants experience tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Some studies have shown that stimulants can cause a slight reduction in height for some adolescents and children.
Non-stimulant medicines are slower acting than stimulants but can still enhance attention. It may take up to four weeks for the medication to start working. Non-stimulant medicines can reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems in certain people. They are most often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications for ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin in the brain. Certain, like selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs), have shown to improve impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition to or instead of stimulants, if the adverse effects are too intense for you. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from antidepressants as they improve memory and decrease impulsivity and 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 usually prescribed in combination with stimulants and could be more effective than stimulants alone.