Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps in controlling the impulsive behavior.
You can buy tablets or a patch. It is best to choose long-acting stimulant formulas that give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who take them. They increase brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces fatigue. Methylphenidate is an stimulant that is widely used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable and liquid tablet forms, and it is able to be consumed two to three times a daily. Amphetamines, which are a bit stronger than methylphenidates, are also prescribed to treat ADHD. These drugs can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, so people with preexisting conditions should tell their doctor.
The use of stimulants can result in addiction if misused, which means taking more than the recommended dose or mixing them with alcohol or other substances. People who use the medications as directed, however, do not have an increased risk of addiction. There is some evidence that the use of ADHD medication may aid in preventing substance abuse among people at risk.
The FDA has approved a number of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formula is the same. Your doctor will prescribe the one that works best for you or your child.
Your doctor will start with a small dose and examine how you or your child reacts before adjusting dosage. Your doctor will then decide whether it is necessary add a second medication or switch to a different medication.
Stimulants can cause side effects, such as a dry mouth, less appetite, and changes in sleep or mood. Children and teens who use stimulants develop tics. These are sudden movements or noises like eye blinks or throat clearing. Read the Full Posting have shown that stimulants can cause a slight reduction in height for certain teens and children.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, but they can help improve attention and impulsivity. It may take up to four weeks before the medication begins working. Non-stimulant medicines can reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in certain people. They are typically used in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain. Some like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been proven to improve focus and impulsivity in people suffering from ADHD.
FDA-approved medications that are not stimulants are rare and hard to come by. Your doctor may suggest antidepressants as a stimulant for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you have undesirable side effects. Some people with ADHD can 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 often prescribed in combination with stimulants, and can be more effective than stimulants alone.