Types of ADHD Medication
The first class of medication that doctors prescribe for ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase brain chemicals, including norepinephrine and dopamine.
Short- and long-acting stimulant pills are available. The long-acting version of these drugs lets you take medication continuously throughout the day which reduces the risk of side effects caused by fluctuations in the levels of drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common and generally the most effective form of treatment for ADHD. About 70 to 80% people with ADHD benefit from stimulants. They accomplish this by increasing the brain chemical dopamine and norepinephrine, which impacts your ability to focus and think clearly. Stimulants are available in several forms, including pills, extended-release (ER) tablets and tablets that dissolve when swallowed. Your doctor will prescribe the best option for you, based on whether or not you'd like to take it along with food, how quickly it works, as well as any possible side effects you experience.
The most frequently prescribed stimulants for ADHD include Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Daytrana. They belong to a category called methylphenidates. Other medications that belong to this group include atomoxetine Strattera, Tenex, Intuniv and Kapvay.
These medications aren't considered to be addictive in the doses that are used to treat ADHD. However they can cause problems like loss of appetite and trouble sleeping, and increase blood pressure and heart rate. They also have the potential to interact with certain medications and medical conditions.
People suffering from ADHD who take stimulants need to be closely monitored by their doctors. It may take a while to find the right dose and type of medication for each person. It's important to communicate openly with your doctor and report any negative changes or adverse effects, like an abrupt change in mood or appetite, and how the medication is effective for you or your child.
Since the 1960s, stimulant medicines are used to treat ADHD. They are safe if taken at the dose prescribed. dealing with adhd without medication are effective for 70 to the majority of kids and adults, and reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive. They can reduce the tendency to fidget and interrupt as well as improve learning and social skills.
non prescription adhd medication and adults who take stimulants will need to take them for the rest of their lives, though some are able to decrease or discontinue them. They are usually combined with other types of treatment like behavior therapy and skill training.
Nonstimulant medications can be beneficial when stimulants don't work or cause undesirable side effects. They can improve the way stimulants function and aid you or your child concentrate on impulses, control them, and pay attention. These drugs, which are typically in a class called alpha-2-adrenergic inhibitors, were employed "off label" to treat ADHD for a long, long time years before FDA approval.
Clonidine, Guanfacine and a more recent drug called Atomoxetine, are all in this class. These medications are in a different drug class than the methylphenidates. They are less likely to cause side effects, however they don't work as quickly. These drugs boost the activity of norepinephrine within the brain, which is responsible for controlling emotions and paying attention. They can take four to six weeks to begin working however they typically see improvement within only a few days. They can be used on their own or in conjunction with stimulants to improve how they function together.