Types of ADHD Medication
There are many medications that can be used to treat ADHD. It may take some time to find a medication that is effective for you or your children.
Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate, or Ritalin, help reduce symptoms by increasing the levels of a certain chemical in the brain. Certain people who take these drugs experience an immediate drop in energy, and even experiencing a "crash" as the drug wears out.
Short-acting
Many kids with ADHD can be helped by medicines that help control their behavior. These medications can help children to finish tasks, build stronger relationships, and to learn. They can also help reduce annoying or distracting behavior. Children respond to the medicines differently, which is why it's crucial that parents and doctors work together to find the right medication for each child. A health care team may suggest a combination of medicines along with other treatments, such as counseling.
There are two types of medication that treat ADHD in teenagers, children, and adults: stimulants as well as other medications. The stimulants affect brain chemicals that influence attention and impulse control. They are either short-acting (lasting only a few hours) or long-acting (lasting all day). Some people experience side effects such as a decreased appetite or sleep problems. Doctors usually can find a medicine that has few or no adverse effects for the majority of people.
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs used to treat ADHD. They include methylphenidates, amphetamines, and other stimulants. They're classified as Schedule II drugs by the Drug Enforcement Administration because they have a high chance of misuse or abuse when not taken as prescribed. Examples of methylphenidates are Ritalin and Concerta, while Adderall and Dexedrine are examples of amphetamines. These medicines can have serious health consequences if they are not taken as prescribed and therefore it is important to talk to your doctor before starting these medicines.
Children who are younger than six years old should not be given stimulants. Some children may require another medication or a lower dose. Before prescribing a medication your doctor will look for other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms of your child. You will be asked about your child's symptoms, habits and behavior and family history. They will also conduct an exam to check for problems such as hearing or vision. They may also ask about your child's diet or sleep patterns. They'll be interested in knowing whether your child is suffering from allergies. They'll give you a prescription and instructions to take it. You should visit your doctor regularly to determine whether the medication is working.
Long-acting
ADHD medications can help you focus your mind, just as a pair glasses can improve your vision. They boost levels of chemicals which are crucial to focus and attention. The two most common kinds of medications are stimulants (e.g. amphetamines, amphetamines and methylphenidates) and non-stimulant medicines.
Long- and short-acting stimulant meds are available for people suffering from ADHD. They are effective in 70-80% of cases. Long-acting ADHD medication works in phases with part of the dose released immediately after taking an early morning pill and the rest released throughout the day. They are easier to remember, decrease the amount of pills you need to take daily and give a consistent amount of medication contrasted with shorter-acting drugs. They also cause fewer side effects and "ups and downs" than short-acting drugs.
Non-stimulant
About 70-80 percent of adults and children can be treated with medications that reduce ADHD symptoms. These medications enhance their ability to concentrate and control their the impulsivity. adhd medications for adults help improve the school performance and social skills. In fact, medication is the first option for the majority of people suffering from ADHD. The medication can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like behavior therapy.
Drugs that stimulate, like Ritalin or Adderall can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves the exchange between nerves of messages that help to regulate the intensity of impulsivity and focus. Stimulant medicines are available in immediate-release, long-acting or extended-release tablets. The most well-known stimulants are Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall and Vyvanse. The instant-release form, which is administered in small doses throughout the day to provide fast relief from symptoms, is usually used in smaller doses. The extended-release and longer-acting forms are usually taken every day and provide a longer-lasting relief of symptoms.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a variety of nonstimulant medications to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine, a.k.a Strattera, is the most commonly prescribed nonstimulant drug. Qelbree is a more recent medication. These drugs don't contain methylphenidate, amphetamine or other controlled substances. They have a lower risk of abuse since they're not controlled.
Other nonstimulant medicines include Guanfacine and Clonidine. They are more likely to be prescribed for people who have a combination of ADHD and Tourette syndrome. They require several weeks before they begin working and decrease tics and anxiety. These medications can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
The drugs aren't always effective or well-tolerated. The first drug one takes to treat ADHD may not be the best one or trigger unpleasant or unpalatable side effects. The doctor may adjust the dosage or switch to another medication.
It is important to tell your doctor about every medication you or your child is taking including prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as supplements. This information will be used to prevent interactions between different medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any changes in mood or behavior that could be a sign of an issue.