Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves concentration and helps in controlling your impulsive behavior.
They are available as tablets or patches (lisdexamfetamine). Long-acting stimulant products are the best choice, as they deliver medication throughout the day.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs for ADHD. They work quickly and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80% of the children who take them. They are effective by increasing brain chemical dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and decreases fatigue. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a very popular stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in chewable or liquid tablet form and can be taken up to three times per each day. Amphetamines, which are a bit stronger than methylphenidates, are also prescribed to treat ADHD. These medications can temporarily increase the heart rate and blood pressure. People with preexisting health conditions are advised to inform their doctor if they have any of these conditions.
If stimulant medicines are misused (e.g. taking them in over the prescribed dosage, or combined with alcohol or other drugs) they could result in addiction. People who take medications as prescribed do not face an increased chance of developing addiction. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication could help people at risk of substance abuse to avoid addiction.
The FDA has approved a variety of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. They are usually available in generic form, meaning that the chemical formulation is similar to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe the medication that is most suitable for you or your child.
Your doctor will begin with a low dose, and watch how you or your child responds before making adjustments to the dosage. Your doctor will decide whether it is necessary to add a second medicine or switch to a different one.
Stimulants can have side effects like dry mouth, less appetite and changes in sleep or mood. Children and teens who take stimulants experience tics. These are sudden movements or noises like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some studies have found that stimulants can cause a slight decrease in height for some children and teenagers.
Non-stimulant drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, but they can still improve impulsivity and attention. It could take three to four weeks to have a noticeable effect. Non-stimulant medications can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in some people. Most often, they are prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medication to treat ADHD.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They work on serotonin levels in the brain, and some such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- have been shown to increase focus and impulsivity in some people with ADHD.
FDA-approved medications that are not stimulants are few and far between. Your doctor might recommend antidepressants along with stimulants for ADHD or in lieu of stimulants if you suffer from uncontrollable side effects. They can also help improve memory and reduce aggression and impulsivity in some adults with ADHD. non prescription adhd medication 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 combination with stimulants and can be more effective than stimulants by themselves.