Types Of ADHD Medication: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Types of ADHD Medication

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter hormones norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves your concentration and helps to control the impulsive behavior.

You can buy them as a tablet or a patch. It is recommended to select long-acting stimulant formulas that provide medication throughout the day.

Stimulants

Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They are quick-acting and reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of children who use them. They work by increasing brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves focus and reduces tiredness. Methylphenidate (also called methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Focalin) is a very popular type of stimulant for ADHD. It comes in chewable and liquid tablet forms, and can be taken up to three times per day. Amphetamines can be prescribed for ADHD. They are slightly stronger than methylphenidates. These medications can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with preexisting medical conditions are advised to consult their doctor if they suffer from any of these ailments.

Stimulant medicines can lead to addiction if they are misused, such as taking more than the recommended dose or mixing them with other substances or alcohol. Patients who take them according to the directions however, do not have an increased risk of developing addiction. There is evidence that suggests ADHD medication could aid people at risk of using substances to stay away from addiction.

The FDA has approved a range of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They are typically available in generic form, which means the chemical formula is identical to the brand name medication. Your doctor will prescribe the medication is best for your child or yourself.

Your doctor will begin with a small dose, and observe how your child or you react before making adjustments to the dosage. Your doctor will then decide if it is necessary to add a second medicine or switch to another one.

Stimulants can trigger side effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, and changes in moods or sleep patterns. Some children and adolescents who use these medications experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds like the sound of a throat clearing or eye blinking. Some studies show that the use of stimulants can cause a slight reduction in height for some children and adolescents.

Non-stimulant medications are slower-acting than stimulants, but they can still improve attention and impulsivity. It could take up to four weeks for the medication to start working. Non-stimulant medicines can reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health problems in certain people. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with a stimulant medication to treat ADHD.

Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They work on the levels of serotonin that are present in the brain. Certain such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to increase impulsivity and focus in some people with ADHD.

There aren't many non-stimulant medications that are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Your doctor might prescribe antidepressants to treat ADHD in lieu of stimulants, if the side effects are too much for you. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from antidepressants, as they improve memory and decrease impulsivity and aggression. Some antidepressants work on dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, and are classified as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.  treating adhd without medication  are often prescribed in conjunction with a stimulant, and can be more effective than stimulants on their own.