Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. They reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity by increasing brain chemicals. They also aid in reducing the frequency of tics and speed up tasks.
They are available in short- and long-acting forms. Doctors can prescribe them alone or together.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine with amphetamine) is stimulant drug that helps improve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It improves focus, reduces restlessness, and assists in controlling disruptive behavior such as interrupting others. It also aids in listening and following instructions. It is a good choice for children as young as three years old, adolescents and adults. It is also used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes sudden attacks of sleepiness during the daytime.
The way Adderall works is by changing certain naturally occurring chemicals that are present in your brain. It increases the amount dopamine and norrepinephrine which are natural neurotransmitters. This allows your brain to function more efficiently and improves its capabilities in areas afflicted by ADHD, such as focus and memory, as well as motivation. It also increases alertness and reduces the amount of restlessness experienced by those suffering from Narcolepsy.
Stimulants increase the heart rate which is dangerous for people with certain medical conditions or who take other medications. Stimulants should not be taken by those who have high blood pressure, a history or heart disease, stroke or seizures. People with liver or kidney disease, or glaucoma, should consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants. They can be misused and may cause adverse side effects like addiction or overdose.
Studies have shown that the long-term use of women, people suffering from heart disease, and people younger than 18 can increase the risk of developing heart problems. However add adhd medications of this medication far outweigh the risks.
add adhd medications that Adderall is working is when you begin to notice a difference in your ability to pay attention and follow instructions. You can tell when your organizational skills improve. Avoid drinking coffee and watching TV prior to the time you go to bed if you have difficulty falling asleep.
Adderall and other stimulants remain in your system between two and four days. If you have to undergo a test for drugs at work or school it is best to tell them.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in 2014. It works by increasing the levels of two important neurotransmitters: dopamine & norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are involved in the reward and pleasure pathways, as well as concentration and attention. Taking Evekeo can improve symptoms of ADHD however, it could also trigger side effects.
Stimulants such as Evekeo may increase blood pressure and heartbeat. These changes could be extreme and require hospitalization or treatment. Inform your doctor if you have is a personal or family history of heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have any other health issues or are taking vitamins or supplements. Evekeo can interact with certain medications. Always inform your doctor if you're taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs.
The most frequent adverse effect of this medication is headache. It is also possible to feel nausea, dry mouth or drowsiness. These side effects usually disappear within one or two weeks, but you should contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen. Evekeo can also cause a rare condition called peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomena that can cause tissue breakdown and digital ulceration. This condition is more common in children and teenagers, and can be exacerbated through long-term use of stimulants.
Some people may develop a dependence on this drug. This is a serious problem that requires intervention. It can trigger withdrawal symptoms when the medication is abruptly stopped or dosages are reduced. Withdrawal symptoms include agitation and depression. They can also include the feeling of being overwhelmed, irritable and even vivid or disturbing dreams. Some people may also develop tolerance, which means that they require greater doses to achieve the same effects. This could result in addiction and other dangerous side effects. It is also possible to overdose on this drug and cause a life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This could be a fatal and severe adverse reaction to amphetamines such as Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed type of medication healthcare providers prescribe to treat ADHD. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to excessive stimulation and impulse control. It's FDA-approved for treating children and adults 6 years of age and older. It aids healthcare professionals in improving their patients' concentration and reduce their impulsivity. This allows them to function better at school or work. It also helps to reduce mood swings and make it easier to fall asleep.
The drug is available in tablets and capsules with immediate-release and prolonged-release. Medications in the immediate-release category come as pills (Ritalin), liquid (Methylin) and chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category is available in tablet (Concerta) and capsule (Methylin XR) as well as tablet (Methadose and Azstarys). To achieve the best results it is essential to regularly take the medication. When the effects of methylphenidate decrease it is possible for some people to have a brief period of time where they feel tired, more active or down. This is referred to as the rebound effect.
Methylphenidate, like other stimulants can trigger headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. It can be taken along with food to help prevent these negative effects. In some cases, people who suffer from bipolar disorder may suffer from a mania attack while taking methylphenidate. It's rare, but you should talk to your doctor about the history of mental illness in your family.
There aren't a lot of non-stimulant drugs that are approved to treat ADHD. However, certain healthcare professionals might prescribe antidepressants to treat the condition. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These drugs do not have the same risk of abuse that stimulants do. However, they can cause serious health issues when taken improperly or in large doses. Non-stimulant medication can take longer to effect than stimulants and may take up 24 hours to achieve their maximum effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of some other prescription ADHD medications.
Nonstimulants
For many kids and adults, stimulant medication is the first choice for treating ADHD. However, they might not work well for everyone or cause unwanted adverse consequences. Nonstimulant medicines can be beneficial in these situations. They can aid in improving focus and reduce impulsivity in kids and adults with ADHD. These medications can be found in the form of pills, liquids, or patches. They can be taken on their own or together with stimulants. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, Guanfacine, and Clonidine, all of which work by increasing the neurotransmitters levels in the brain.
Stimulants are among the most common drugs prescribed for ADHD, and they are also the most studied. They are the most effective in helping both adults and children with ADHD manage impulsivity and focus. They are either short-acting stimulants, or long-acting stimulants. They typically start working between 30 and 45 minutes and last from between three and six hours. Doctors usually recommend long-acting stimulation first, then add a short-acting stimulant for those who struggle to stay focused throughout the day.
There are many different types of stimulant drugs. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. These medications are controlled and only available through the prescription of a doctor. Stimulants are also abused and that's why they're classified as controlled substances. Nonstimulants don't have the same abuse risk and are less likely than stimulants to cause negative effects, similar to addiction.
Nonstimulant medications can be administered orally or transdermally. They are typically absorbed faster than stimulants and do not require a lengthy waiting for the time it takes to begin working. They can improve the impulsivity of children and adults with ADHD and are often combined with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are some who experience adverse reactions from these medications however, they tend to be mild and go away on their own as the body adjusts to them. Speak to your doctor if they persist. They can help you determine if the side effects are normal and suggest ways to lessen them.