20 Myths About Types Of ADHD Medication: Dispelled
Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps to control impulsive behavior.
medication for adhd can purchase them as a tablet or a patch. It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant products, which give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used medications for ADHD. They work quickly and reduce ADHD symptoms for 70-80 percent of the children who take them. They are effective by increasing brain chemical dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases focus and decreases tiredness. Methylphenidate is a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable tablets and liquid forms, and is able to be consumed up to three times per every day. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates are also prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can temporarily increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People with preexisting health conditions are advised to consult their doctor if they have any of these conditions.
If the stimulant medicine is misused (e.g., taken in more than the prescribed dosage or combined with alcohol or other substances) they can result in addiction. Individuals who use them according to the directions however, do not face an increased risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication can aid those at risk of using substances to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved a number of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic drugs are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is the same. Your doctor will prescribe which medication works best for your child or you.
Your doctor will begin with a small dose and observe how your child or you react before making adjustments to the dosage. Your doctor will then determine if it is necessary to add a second medicine or switch to a different medication.
Stimulants can cause side effects like dry mouth, decreased appetite, and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Some children and teenagers who use stimulants develop tics. These are sudden noises or movements such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some studies show that the use of stimulants could cause a slight decrease in height for certain children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant medicines are slower acting than stimulants but can still improve the ability to focus. It may take up to four weeks for the medication to begin working. Non-stimulant medications reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions in certain individuals. They are most often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications for ADHD.
Antidepressants also work in treating ADHD. They affect the levels of serotonin inside the brain. Some, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to improve focus and impulsivity in people with ADHD.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medications are rare and infrequent. Your doctor may suggest antidepressants along with stimulants for ADHD, or in place of stimulants if you have intolerable adverse effects. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from antidepressants, as they improve memory and reduce 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 typically prescribed in combination with stimulants and can be more effective than stimulants alone.