Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms by boosting brain chemicals. They also help reduce the frequency of tics and help people complete tasks.
They are available in either a short-acting or long-acting type. Doctors can prescribe them either by themselves or together.
Adderall
Adderall (the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is an stimulant drug that can help improve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). It helps control impulsive behaviors like interrupting others, while also increasing focus and decreasing restlessness. It also improves the ability to listen and follow instructions. It can be used by children three years old and older, adolescents, or even adults. It is also used for the sleep disorder narcolepsy, which is characterized by sudden episodes of sleepiness in the daytime.
The way Adderall operates is by altering certain naturally occurring chemicals that are present in your brain. It increases the amount of dopamine and norrepinephrine which are neurotransmitters that are naturally occurring. This improves your brain's abilities in areas that are affected by ADHD such as motivation and focus, as well as memory. It also reduces anxiety and improves alertness in people suffering from narcolepsy.
The effects of stimulants can increase heart rate which is dangerous for people who have certain medical conditions or are taking other medications. People who have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease, or seizures should stay clear of taking stimulants. Additionally, those with liver or kidney disease or glaucoma should consult their doctor prior to taking them. They can also be abused and have harmful side effects, including addiction or overdose.
Studies have demonstrated that the long-term use of stimulants like Adderall can increase an increased risk of heart issues for women, those who have a preexisting heart condition, and those who are younger than 18 years old. The benefits of adding Adderall far exceed any risks.
Adderall begins to work when you notice a change in the way you pay attention and follow directions. You can tell when your organization skills improve. Avoid drinking coffee and watching TV in the hours before bedtime if you have trouble falling asleep.
Adderall and other stimulants will remain in your system for between two and four days. If you have to undergo a drug test for work or school it is best to inform them.
Evekeo
FDA approved Evekeo in the year 2014. It works by increasing levels of two important neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These chemicals are important in the pleasure and reward pathways, as well as attention and focus. In taking Evekeo, you can reduce symptoms of ADHD however, it could cause adverse side effects.
The use of stimulants like Evekeo can increase blood pressure and heartbeat. These changes could be extreme and require hospitalization or treatment. You should tell your doctor whether you have an history of heart issues or a family history of heart problems. Inform your doctor if you are suffering from any other health problems or take vitamins or supplements. Evekeo may interact with certain medications. Always tell your doctor if taking any prescription or non-prescription medications.
This medication can cause headaches. It is also possible to experience nausea, dry mouth and drowsiness as well as weight loss. These side effects usually go away within some days or few weeks, however you should call your doctor if they persist or become worse. Evekeo can also cause a rare condition known as peripheral vasculopathy or Raynaud's phenomenon which can lead to tissue breakdown and digital ulceration. This condition is more prevalent in teenagers and children and can be made worse by long-term stimulant use.
Some people might develop a mental dependence on this medication. This is a serious issue that requires intervention. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is abruptly cut off or decreased in dosage. The withdrawal symptoms can include agitation and depressed mood. They can also include the feeling of being overwhelmed, irritable and even vivid or unsettling dreams. Some people also develop tolerance to the medication, which means that higher doses are needed to achieve the same result. This could cause addiction and other potentially dangerous side effects. It is also possible to overdose on this medication and develop a life-threatening disorder called rhabdomyolysis. This is a serious and potentially fatal side effect of amphetamines, like Evekeo.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular kind of medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. It affects the chemicals in the nerves and brain that trigger hyperactivity and impulse control. It is FDA-approved for treating adults and children aged 6 and up. Healthcare providers utilize it to enhance their patients' ability to remain focused and reduce impulsivity, which makes them more productive in school or at work. It also helps in reducing mood swings and makes it easier to sleep.
The drug is available in extended-release and immediate-release tablets and capsules. The immediate-release category includes pills (Ritalin), a liquid (Methylin) or chewable tablets (Melissa). The extended-release category is available in tablet form (Concerta) and capsules (Methylin XR, Metadate CD, Methadose, and Azstarys). It is essential to take the medication regularly to reap the maximum benefit from it. When the effects of methylphenidate diminish it is possible for some people to notice a brief period when they feel fatigued or more active. They may also be in a bad mood. This is referred to as the rebound effect.
Like other stimulants, methylphenidate could cause stomach upsets headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate. It can be taken along with food to help prevent these adverse effects. In certain instances methylphenidate may trigger an episode of mania in people with bipolar disorder. It's rare but you should speak to your doctor about the history of mental illness in your family.
There aren't many medications that aren't specifically approved to treat ADHD. Some healthcare providers might prescribe antidepressants for the condition. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Most of them belong to two drug classes called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
These medications do not have the same dangers of abuse that stimulants do. However, they can cause serious health issues when used incorrectly or in large doses. look at this now -stimulant medications may take longer to start working than stimulants, and they may take up to 24 hours before they reach their maximum effectiveness. They can also decrease the effectiveness of other prescription ADHD medication.
Nonstimulants
For a lot of kids and adults, stimulant medication is the first option for treating ADHD. However, they might not be appropriate for everyone or cause undesirable adverse consequences. Nonstimulant medications may be useful in these cases. They can aid in improving focus and reduce impulsivity among kids and adults with ADHD. They are available as pills, liquids or patches. They can be taken on their own or in combination with stimulants. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, the guanfacine and clonidine each of which works by enhancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and the most researched. They are the most effective in helping adults and children with ADHD manage impulsivity and focus. They are either long-acting stimulants or short-acting stimulants. They typically start working between 30 and 45 minutes and last from between three and six hours. Doctors usually prescribe long-acting stimulation first, and then add a short-acting stimulation for those who struggle to remain focused throughout the day.
There are a variety of different kinds of stimulant drugs, including amphetamines and methylphenidate. These drugs are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and can be used only on an order from a physician. They can also be abused, and that is why they're controlled substances. Nonstimulants don't have the same risk of abuse and are less likely to cause negative effects similar to addiction.
Nonstimulant medications can be taken orally or transdermally. They generally absorb more quickly than stimulants and don't require a long wait for the time it takes to begin working. They can reduce impulsivity among children and adults with ADHD and are often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
These side effects are not severe and generally disappear as the body gets used to them. If they persist, talk to your doctor about the issue. They can advise you on whether the side effects are normal or not and suggest ways to reduce them.