ADHD Medications
ADHD medications can help improve focus, attention and impulse control. Doctors prescribe two types: stimulants as well as other non-stimulants.
Stimulants boost brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medicines like Adderall.
Teens and children respond differently to medications. Doctors will be able to monitor adverse effects and adjust the dose and medicine to find the best dosage for each child.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the first drugs most doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, which improves attention and mood. They also help treat depression and anxiety. They are available in several forms, such as pills, liquids, patches and chewable tablets. Stimulants can cause side effects, which are usually minor. They will diminish over time. Doctors may prescribe stimulants at different doses and forms for those with particular needs.
Amphétamines are among the most popular stimulants. Adderall (Dexedrine), Concerta Dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate are all stimulants. They were abused by people without ADHD to boost energy levels, increase feelings of confidence and socialization, and provide the sensation of "rush" or increased productivity. The CDC states that the number of deaths due to overdose due to the use of prescription stimulants has increased over the last decade.
How Stimulants Work
The majority of stimulants are absorbed rapidly and reach the brain within about 20 minutes. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate which can be harmful if they are taken in large quantities. They can also trigger an unusually rapid weight loss, which can result in other health issues. People who have a high risk of heart attack should avoid stimulants.
Many people with ADHD are helped by long-acting stimulants that last throughout the day. They can also supplement this medication with a stimulant that acts quickly in the late afternoon or evening to ease through the tough part of the work or school days when their long-acting drug wears off.
Short-acting stimulants are generally taken as needed and last for about four hours. Some people experience a decrease in mood and energy when they have an intake of a stimulant that is short-acting often referred to as the "crash effect." This can lead to extreme hunger and fatigue. adhd stimulant medication can also trigger other medical problems such as an increase in blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.
Long-acting stimulants are usually effective for a period of six to eight hours. Some have an extended release, which means they break down slowly over time to provide an ongoing dose for longer periods of time. Long-acting stimulants are the preferred type of medication for adults and older children with ADHD.
Xelstrym is an FDA-approved patch that contains amphetamine drug dextroamphetamine. It is a patch that is able to be worn continuously. It works in a similar way to a regular prescription-strength dextroamphetamine pill. Mydayis, a more recent dextroamphetamine formulation that is available in capsules, is able to be taken as soon as you wake up each day.
Other ADHD Medicines for ADHD
A few people with ADHD don't respond to stimulants, which is why other medications are frequently prescribed. Nonstimulants can be taken by themselves or in combination with stimulants. The nonstimulants that have been approved to treat ADHD are atomoxetine and guanfacine and viloxazine. If stimulants aren't working it is possible to try guanfacine and clonidine. adhd stimulant medication who don't respond to any medication can benefit from behavioral therapy. This is the process of learning how to manage symptoms and alter negative behavior. The most effective treatment approaches include behavioral therapy in conjunction with other treatments using pharmacological methods.