ADHD Medication List - Stimulants
Stimulants work to increase the levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. Amphetamines and methylphenidate are among the stimulants.
Doctors also sometimes prescribe older types of antidepressants known as tricyclics to treat ADHD. These medications can cause severe adverse effects. Doctors typically only prescribe them when stimulants do not work or cause symptoms that are too severe.
Stimulants
The most common medication used to treat ADHD in children and adults is stimulants. related web site are effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This helps improve concentration, reduces fatigue, and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity in the majority of people who take these medications. Stimulants can help about 70 percent to 80% of people with ADHD get better. These drugs aren't habit-forming in the doses used to treat ADHD, but they are a risk for abuse and addiction. Patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse or a family history of substance or mental health problems may be at higher risk for this.
The most popular stimulants used to treat ADHD are amphetamines and methylphenidates. Generics are less expensive than brand-name drugs and are favored by a majority of insurance companies. Certain of these medicines are available as extended-release tablets that you can take one time a week and last up to 16 hrs. This could result in less "ups-and-downs" of symptoms. dealing with adhd without medication is especially beneficial for children.
The stimulants that are immediate-release (short acting) start working in 30 to 45 minutes. weblink last for about four hours. They can be taken every two or three times per day. Most often, they are the first prescription medication your doctor prescribes. Some of these medicines are available in liquid, chewable tablets or patches that are applied to the skin.
Long-acting and intermediate stimulants are typically taken every day in the morning and can last for up to 16 hours. They can prevent the high levels of effectiveness that may occur when short-acting stimulation wears off which can result in extreme hunger and low levels of energy. Many people who take long-acting stimulants may supplement them by taking a small amount of immediate-release medication in the afternoon and evening.
There are a myriad of potential negative effects that can be triggered by taking stimulants to treat ADHD. These include nausea, headaches, anxiety, a lack of appetite and sleepiness. Most of these effects are mild to moderate, and they will go away within a few weeks after your body adjusts. Consult your physician when the side effects become extreme or persist after some weeks.
Non-stimulants
There's a class of medications that is sometimes used to treat ADHD however they aren't FDA-approved for this purpose. These drugs are referred to as non-stimulant ADHD medications and include varenicline, atomoxetine and bupropion. These medications are less likely to be misused than stimulants, but may still cause insomnia, agitation, or anxiety.
The best way to choose the best medication for you or your child is to consult with your physician, who can help you weigh the benefits and risks of each option. Your doctor will consider your medical background and the severity of your symptoms, as well as any other conditions or illnesses you suffer from. They'll also consider how each medication affects you or your child, and how well it works with other treatments. You will need to inform your doctor of any supplements, foods, or beverages you or your child consume, as well as any prescription or non-prescription medications you are taking, such as antidepressants.