Types of ADHD Medication
The first class of medications doctors prescribe for ADHD is called stimulants. These drugs boost brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine.
Stimulant pills are available in short- and long-acting dosages. The long-acting form of these drugs permits continuous medication throughout the day. This reduces the adverse effects that are associated with the fluctuations in the levels of drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common and are generally the most effective treatment for ADHD. Around 70 to 80 percent of people suffering from ADHD benefit from stimulants. They accomplish this by increasing brain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These can affect your ability to concentrate and pay attention. Stimulants come in many forms, such as pills, extended-release tablets (ER) and even an orally disintegrating tablets. Your doctor will prescribe the best one for you, taking into consideration whether or not you want to take it with food, how quickly it works, as well as any side effects you may experience.
The most commonly prescribed stimulants for ADHD include Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Daytrana. They are part of a class known as methylphenidates. Other medications within this class include atomoxetine, Strattera, Tenex, Intuniv, and Kapvay.
These drugs aren't considered addictive in the doses used to treat ADHD. They can cause problems like loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. They also could interact with certain medications and medical conditions.
Doctors should closely monitor people who suffer from ADHD who are taking stimulants. It can take time to determine the right dosage and type of medication for each person. It is essential to communicate openly with your doctor and report any adverse effects or negative changes, such as an abrupt change in appetite or mood. Also inform them of how the medication works for you or your children.
Since the 1960s, stimulant medicines are used to treat ADHD. They are safe when used in the prescribed dosage. They are effective for 70% to 80% of children and adults and help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. They can help reduce fidgeting and interrupting and enhance learning and social skills.
Most children and adults who are taking stimulants will need to take them for life, although some can reduce or stop the use of these substances. here are often combined with other forms of treatment, such as behavior therapy and skill training.
Nonstimulant medications can be helpful when stimulants don't work or cause undesirable adverse effects. They can aid in improving the ways stimulants work, allowing you or your child to focus, control the impulses and be attentive. These medications, which are generally part of a class known as alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists, were used "off label" to treat ADHD for a number of years prior to FDA approval.
Clonidine, Guanfacine and a more recent drug called Atomoxetine, are all in this class. have a peek at this website aren't as effective, but are in a completely different class of drugs from methylphenidates. They are less likely to have adverse side effects. These drugs increase the activity of norepinephrine within the brain, which is responsible for controlling emotions and paying attention. It can take between four and six weeks before they begin to work however they typically show improvement in only a few days. They can be combined with stimulants or utilized on their own to increase their effectiveness.