adhd otc medication of ADHD Medication
The most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps control your impulsive behavior.
They are available as tablets or as a patch (lisdexamfetamine). It is best to opt for long-acting stimulant formulas that provide medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They are fast acting and reduce ADHD symptoms for 70-80% of the children who use them. They work by increasing brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also known as methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a very popular stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable and liquid tablet forms, and it can be taken up to three times per daily. Amphetamines, which are a bit stronger than methylphenidates are also sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can temporarily increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People with preexisting health conditions are advised to tell their doctor if they have any of these ailments.
Drugs that stimulate can cause addiction if misused, such as taking more than the prescribed dosage or mixing them with alcohol or other substances. People who take the prescribed doses are not at risk of an increased chance of developing addiction. There is some evidence that using ADHD medication can aid in preventing the use of substances by people who are at risk.
The FDA has approved a variety of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. Generic medications are available, meaning that the chemical formulation is the same. Your doctor will prescribe whichever medication is most effective for your child or yourself.
The doctor will start with a small amount and observe how your child or you react before changing dosage. non stimulant adhd medication will then decide whether it is necessary to add a second medication or switch to a different one.
The effects of stimulants can be adverse like dry mouth, a decreased appetite, and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Children and adolescents who use these medications experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Certain studies have shown that the use of stimulants could cause a slight reduction in height for certain 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 medications can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions in certain people. They are most often used in conjunction with stimulant medications for ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. They alter serotonin levels in the brain. Certain -- such as 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 might recommend antidepressants as stimulants for ADHD, or in place of stimulants if you suffer from undesirable adverse effects. Certain adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from antidepressants because they enhance memory and decrease 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 typically prescribed in conjunction with stimulants, and can be more effective than stimulants alone.