Types of ADHD Medication
The most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitter hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain, which improves concentration and helps control impulsive behaviour.
They are available in tablets or as a patch (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting stimulant formulas are preferred because they provide medications throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80% of children who take them. They work by increasing the levels of brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a well-known type of stimulant for ADHD. It is available in liquid or chewable tablet forms and can be taken up to three times per every day. Amphetamines are often prescribed for ADHD. They are a little stronger than methylphenidates. These medications can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure, so those with existing conditions should tell their doctor.
If stimulant medications are misused (e.g. when they are taken in excess of the prescribed dose or mixed with alcohol or other drugs) they can cause addiction. People who take them as prescribed do not run the chance of developing addiction. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication may even aid people who are at risk of addiction to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved a range of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is the same. adhd medication and pregnancy will prescribe the medication is most effective for your child or you.
Your doctor will start with a low dose and examine how you or your child responds before making adjustments to the dosage. Then your doctor will decide whether you'll need to switch to another medicine or add a second one.
The stimulants can cause side effects such as dry mouth, decreased appetite and changes in sleep patterns or moods. Children and adolescents who are taking them experience tics, which are abrupt movements or sounds resembling the sound of a throat clearing or eye blinking. Certain studies have shown that the use of stimulants could cause a slight reduction in height in some children and adolescents.
Non-stimulant medications are less effective than stimulants but can still enhance the ability to focus. It may take up to four weeks before the medication begins working. Non-stimulant medication can reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health problems in certain individuals. They are most often used in conjunction with a stimulant medication for ADHD.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They alter the levels of serotonin in the brain. Some, 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 may recommend antidepressants as stimulants for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants in the event that you experience undesirable adverse effects. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from antidepressants, because they enhance memory and reduce impulsivity as well as 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 efficient than stimulants by themselves.