ADHD Medication Names
Medications ease symptoms of ADHD around 70 percent to 80% adults and kids. They aid in focusing kids and reduce hyperactivity. The health care team will be watching how well the medicine works and may alter your child's dosage or the frequency at which they take it.
Stimulants help neurons transmit signals. Examples include methylphenidate sold under the brand names Ritalin or Concerta, and dexamfetamine, which is sold under the brand name Vyvanse. Atomoxetine and long-acting Guanfacineare both referred to as alpha agonists -- also help treat ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used ADHD medications and can help control symptoms for people of all different ages. These medications increase the dopamine level in the brain, which increases concentration and focus, as well as reducing hyperactivity. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Adderall Ritalin and Dexadrine are common brand names. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine (meth) and crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts made from synthetic cathinones (ecstasy).
Side effects of stimulant medication include stomach upset, a decrease in appetite, and changes to blood pressure and heart rate. People who have used stimulants for long periods might also experience the "rebound effect," meaning they become hyperactive after the drug has worn off. They may also experience mood swings like anxiety and depression. These side effects tend to diminish in time as the body adjusts to the medication.
The majority of doctors recommend using psychiatric medications in conjunction with behavioral therapy to improve the management of symptoms. Children and adults can learn strategies to control their symptoms through behavioral therapy. It can also help reduce stress and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
ADHD medications don't cure ADHD However, they can help improve a person's quality of living. Numerous studies have demonstrated that when stimulants are used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as parent training and counseling, they can lead to improved symptom control.
The medications for adults suffering from ADHD differ than those prescribed for children and the dosages are more. It can take a long time to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that will manage symptoms with the least amount of adverse side effects. Doctors usually prescribe a range of medicines in the initial few weeks to determine which is the best for each patient.
Non-stimulant ADHD drugs take longer to begin working and don't last as long as stimulants, but they are still a good option for certain people. They work by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain known as norepinephrine. Norepinephrine helps improve concentration and control impulses. The medications that boost norepinephrine levels include the atomoxetine (Strattera) and the alpha agonists with long-lasting effects, clonidine hydrochloride (Kapvay) and Guanfacine Hydrochloride (Intuniv). These medications are not controlled substances, and therefore have a lower potential for misuse.
If ADHD medication fails to work or has serious side effects, psychiatric medications may be prescribed. Your doctor might recommend tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine (Tofranil) or nortriptyline (Aventyl or Pamelor) to treat anxiety and depression that can sometimes be associated with ADHD. These medications also slow the function of the brain's natural chemicals, but don't have as strong an effect on blood pressure and heart rate as stimulants do. buy adhd medication uk are often used in conjunction with stimulants to treat ADHD because they offer the added benefit of helping to improve focus and attention.