Types of ADHD Medication
The most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps control the impulsive behavior.
You can purchase tablets or as a patch. It is best to choose long-acting stimulant formulas that provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms for 70-80% of the children who use them. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases tiredness. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is commonly used to treat ADHD. It comes in chewable tablets and liquid forms, and can be taken up to three times per daily. Amphetamines can be prescribed for ADHD. They are a little stronger than methylphenidates. These medications may cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and those with preexisting medical conditions should consult their doctor.
If the stimulant medicine is misused (e.g., taken in excess of the prescribed dose or mixed with alcohol or other substances), they can lead to addiction. People who use them according to the directions, however, are not at an increased risk of developing addiction. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication may even help people at risk of using substances to stay away from addiction.
The FDA has approved a range of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, which means that the chemical formulation is the same. Your doctor will prescribe the one that works best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will begin with a small dose and examine how you or your child reacts before making adjustments to the dosage. Your doctor will then determine whether it is necessary introduce a different medicine or switch to another one.
Stimulants may cause side effects, such as dry mouth, decreased appetite and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Some children and adolescents who are taking these medications experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. adhd stimulant medication have shown that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for certain teens and children.
Non-stimulant medications are less effective than stimulants, but they can enhance the ability to focus. They may take three to four weeks to have a noticeable effect. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems in certain people. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin in the brain, and some such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been proven to improve focus and impulsivity in people who suffer from ADHD.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant medications that are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Your doctor may suggest antidepressants as stimulants for ADHD, or in place of stimulants if you have intolerable adverse effects. They can also aid in improving memory and decrease the impulsivity and aggression of some 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 usually prescribed in combination with stimulants and could be more efficient than stimulants by themselves.