Types Of ADHD Medication: The Ugly Truth About Types Of ADHD Medication
adult adhd medication uk of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps in controlling impulsive behavior.
You can buy them as a tablet or a patch. Long-acting stimulant formulations are preferable because they provide medications throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD. They are fast acting and reduce ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80 percent of children who take them. They are effective by increasing brain chemical dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a popular type of stimulant for ADHD. It is available in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and it is able to be consumed two to three times a day. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates, are also prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications 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.
Stimulant medicines can lead to addiction if misused, which means taking more than the recommended dose or mixing them with alcohol or other drugs. People who take the prescribed doses do not run the risk of becoming addicted. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication may even aid people at risk of using substances to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved a range of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic medications are available, which means that the chemical formulation is the same. Your doctor will prescribe the medication that works best for you or your child.
Your doctor will begin with a small dose and take note of how your child or you react before changing dosage. Then your doctor will determine whether you'll need to change to a different medicine or add a different one.
The effects of stimulants can be adverse including dry mouth, less appetite, and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Some children and adolescents who use them experience tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds resembling eye blinks or throat clearing. Some studies have shown that stimulants can cause a slight reduction in height for some children and teenagers.
Non-stimulant medications are slower-acting than stimulants, however they can help improve impulsivity and attention. It could take up to four weeks to be noticeable. Non-stimulant medication can reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions in some people. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants also work in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin inside the brain. Certain medications, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to increase impulsivity and focus in those suffering from ADHD.
FDA-approved non-stimulant medicines are rare and hard to come by. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants in addition to a stimulant for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants in the event that you experience intolerable side effects. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from antidepressants, because they enhance 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 prescribed in combination with stimulants and could be more efficient than stimulants on their own.