Types of ADHD Medication
The most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which increases concentration and can help control impulsive behaviour.
They are available in tablets or as a patch (lisdexamfetamine). adhd medications for adults -acting stimulant formulations are preferable, as they deliver medications throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80% of children who take them. They increase brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases tiredness. Methylphenidate is an stimulant that is widely used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable or liquid tablet forms and can be taken up to three times a each day. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, so people with preexisting medical conditions should consult their doctor.
Stimulant medicines can lead to addiction if they are misused, which means taking more than the prescribed dosage or mixing them with other substances or alcohol. Patients who take them as directed however, do not face an increased risk of becoming addicted. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication may even aid those at risk of using substances to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved several types of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. medication for adhd are usually available in generic form, meaning that the chemical formulation is similar to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe which medication works best for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will begin with a low dose, and watch how you or your child responds before altering the dosage. Then, your doctor will decide whether you should change to a different medication or add a different one.
The stimulants can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, a decrease in appetite and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Children and teens who use stimulants develop tics. These are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or a throat clearing. Some studies have found that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for some teens and children.
Non-stimulant medications are slower-acting than stimulants, yet they can improve impulsivity and attention. They can take anywhere from three to four weeks to show a noticeable improvement. Non-stimulant medications reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health issues in some people. Most often, they are used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants also work in treating ADHD. They affect the levels of serotonin in the brain. Some, such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs), have shown to increase impulsivity and focus for people suffering from ADHD.
There aren't many non-stimulant drugs that are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in addition or instead of stimulants, if the adverse effects are too intense for you. Some adults with ADHD might 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 often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants and may be more effective than stimulants on their own.