Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants can help reduce ADHD symptoms for 70% - 80% children and adults. However, they aren't able to cure the condition, and side effects can be uncomfortable.
Your doctor will prescribe the medicine that's best for you, and the appropriate dosage and schedule. You may need to stop certain medications such as antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants prior to starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants enhance the activity of brain areas that control behavior and attention. They are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They are available in immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules, as well as chewable tablets for children who have difficulty swallowing. adhd medications for adults can be prescribed to children, teens or an adult. Some patients who take this medication experience side effects. They could be mild or serious. If they cause concern the medication might need to be altered or its dosage modified.
The most common stimulant medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It's also referred to by the brand name Ritalin. Methylphenidate increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake. It also helps improve concentration and attention. It is available as a tablet or an extended-release tablet that is taken every day in the morning. Children who have trouble swallowing pills or liquids may use the chewable version of this medication, which is made of small pieces that are easy to chew.
It's also available as an application on the skin that releases medication slowly over the course of a day. The first dose of medication is typically small, and the dosage can be gradually increased over time. Most patients who take these drugs will see their physician or doctor regularly to monitor how they're doing and look for any indications of problems.
Amphetamines have been the most popular stimulant drugs until recently. Students, truck drivers and athletes used these drugs to stay awake and increase their energy levels. People with eating disorders also used them to lose weight. Amphetamines can be highly addictive and cause psychotic symptoms like hallucinations. Unlike most add ADHD medications, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means that they are susceptible for abuse. Users who abuse these medications often mix them with other substances such as alcohol or illegal substances like cocaine, which can increase the risk of addiction.
There are now many more options for people who need to take addition ADHD medications. In addition to stimulants, there are several non-stimulant medications that have been approved for ADHD treatment for children as well as adults. These medications are different from stimulants, but can aid in the improvement of ADHD symptoms. They do not cause the same levels of highs or lows that can be seen when taking stimulant medication.
adhd and medication include guanfacine (brand name Toleranse) as well as Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These drugs affect different brain receptors than stimulants and have a less dramatic effect on the child's heart rate or blood pressure. The exact method by which these medications are used to treat ADHD isn't completely understood however, they are believed to boost the activity of certain neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They are likely to prevent excessive stimulation of the dopamine D1 receptors in this region, which can hinder spatial working memory function. This is an area of ongoing research. Research suggests that these drugs could be more effective than stimulants when it comes to improving ADHD symptoms, especially in children.