ADHD Medication Names
Medications ease symptoms of ADHD around 70 percent to 80% of adults and kids. They aid in focusing kids and decrease hyperactivity. The health care team will monitor how well the medicine is effective and may alter the dosage or frequency of use.
Stimulants work by helping neurons transmit signals. Examples are methylphenidate (with brand names Ritalin and Concerta) and dexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse). Atomoxetine and long-acting Guanfacine- both called alpha agonists -- also treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used ADHD medication and can be used to alleviate symptoms for all age groups. These medications increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration and focus, as well as decreasing hyperactivity. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. Common brand names include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexadrine. Illicit stimulants are methamphetamine and crystal meth (meth), cocaine, as well as bath salts that are synthetic cathinones.
Side effects of stimulant medication include stomach upset, reduced appetite, and changes to blood pressure and heart rate. non stimulant adhd medication who have taken stimulants for a long period of time might also experience the "rebound effect," meaning they become hyperactive after the drug has worn off. They may also be affected by mood changes such as anxiety and depression. These side effects typically diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.
Most doctors recommend mixing psychiatric medication with behavioral therapy to enhance symptom management. Adults and children can develop strategies to control their symptoms through behavioral therapy. It can also reduce stress and encourage healthier choices of lifestyle.
ADHD medications aren't a cure, however, they can greatly improve the quality of a person's life. Numerous studies have shown that stimulants can be utilized in conjunction with other treatment methods such as education for parents and counseling to help improve the control of symptoms.
Adults who suffer from ADHD differ from those used for kids, and the dosages are more. It can take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that controls symptoms with fewest adverse side negative effects. Doctors usually prescribe a range of medicines during the first few weeks to determine which is the best for each patient.
Non-stimulant ADHD drugs take longer to begin working and can't last as long as stimulants, however they can be beneficial for certain individuals. These drugs work by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine helps improve concentration and control impulses. The medications that boost norepinephrine are atomoxetine (Strattera), and the beta agonists that have a long-lasting effect like clonidine chloride (Kapvay), and guanfacine chloride (Intuniv). These are not controlled substances and therefore, have a lower risk for abuse.
If ADHD medication fails to work or has severe adverse effects, psychiatric medication might be prescribed. Your doctor might recommend a tricyclic antidepressant, such as imipramine (Tofranil) or nortriptyline (Aventyl or Pamelor) to treat depression and anxiety that can sometimes be associated with ADHD. These medications reduce the brain's natural chemical activity however they don't have same impact on the heart rate or blood pressure as stimulants do. These medications are frequently employed in conjunction with stimulants for the treatment of ADHD because they improve concentration and focus.