Types of ADHD Medication
The most common drugs prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps in controlling impulsive behavior.
They are available in tablets or as a patch (lisdexamfetamine). It is best to opt for long-acting stimulant formulas that give you the medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are fast acting and reduce ADHD symptoms for 70 to 80 percent of children who use them. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate is a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. It is available in liquid or chewable tablet forms and can be taken up to three times a every day. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate and those with preexisting ailments should inform their doctor.
The use of stimulants can result in addiction if misused, which includes taking more than the prescribed dose or mixing them with other substances or alcohol. Those who take the prescribed doses do not face an increased chance of developing addiction. Some evidence suggests that ADHD medication may even help people at risk of using substances to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved several types of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They are usually available in generic form, which means the chemical formulation is similar to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe the one that is most suitable for you or your child.
Your doctor will begin with a small amount and examine how you or your child reacts before changing dosage. Then your doctor will decide whether you should change to a different medicine or add a second one.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects like 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 blinks or throat clearing. Some studies have shown that stimulants may cause a slight decrease in height for some adolescents and children.
Non-stimulant medications are less effective than stimulants but can still increase the ability to focus. It could take up to four weeks before the medication begins working. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health problems in certain individuals. 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 in the brain. adhd medication for adults uk , such as selective serotonin retake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to improve impulsivity and focus in people with ADHD.
FDA-approved medications that are not stimulants are few and far between. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants in addition to stimulants for ADHD, or in place of stimulants if you suffer from undesirable side effects. They can also help improve memory and decrease the impulsivity and aggression of some adults suffering from 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 often prescribed in combination with stimulants, and can be more efficient than stimulants alone.